What Is Cupping?
Cupping is an ancient technique that involves placing jars on the skin, suctioning out the air and creating a vacuum. The underlying tissue is raised, or sucked, partway into the cup.
The purpose of cupping is to enhance circulation, help relieve pain, remove “heat,” and pull toxins from your body’s tissues.
What To Expect
You usually feel a tight sensation in the area of the cup and that often feels good and relaxing for aching muscles. Cups are generally moved around to different areas. Cups can be left in place for a few minutes or much longer (15-25 minutes). Cupping causes the skin to temporarily turn red, blue or purple, especially if there is a blockage under the cups. The skin discoloration may last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Cupping often gets great results for patients with many types of pain, including back and muscle pain. It is also useful for treating the flu, colds, red itchy skin conditions, allergies, fevers, aches and soreness. Plus many people find it stress relieving.
In my practice I often combine acupuncture and cupping in one session, but I also offer shorter appointments for just cupping. Approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on the patients response and constitution. I charge $70 for a cupping only appointment.
There are some contraindications with cupping, it is not appropriate for everyone. Some contraindications include; cupping over damaged skin or a rash, and in pregnancy it may not always be appropriate especially on certain parts of the body.
To learn more about cupping check out these blog posts;
