CUPPING

Cupping involves placing heated cups over the skin to encourage blood flow and ease stress, Cupping has been practiced for thousands of years for the treatment of disease and pain.

It is a form of acupuncture that focuses on the movement of blood, energy called qi and body fluids, such as lymph which circulates around the body’s tissues. Cupping is believed to stimulate flow of blood, lymph and qi to the affected area. Its uses include relieving pain in the muscles, especially back pain from stiffness or injury, and clearing congestion in the chest, which can occur from colds or flu.

HOW IT IS DONE?

The therapist takes a number of glass cups, which look like small fish bowls. Each cup is heated with a naked flame. The cup is then quickly applied to the skin. This creates a vacuum. The suction anchors the cup to the body and the area of skin covered is drawn up a few millimeters into the cup. The cups are then left on the body while the area beneath is treated and the energy, or qi, is moved.

Cupping is usually used on its own, but can be combined with other therapies.