Cupping
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping is an ancient modality used in the Middle East and China for thousands of years for poor energy flow, tight muscles, and to sedate the nervous system. It is often done in conjunction with acupuncture, but can also be a stand-alone treatment. The cups were historically made of clay or bamboo. Now they are made of either glass, silicone, or plastic. Cupping, with a physical mechanism involving suction, is usually applied on the back, but can be used for treatment on other places throughout the body such as the arms or thighs. There are many ways that an acupuncture provider can create suction. They can either use a flame to heat the inside of the cup (no worries, the flame does not go on your skin) or use rubber pumps to create suction.
Variations of cupping therapy:
- Quick Cupping – removing the cups quickly once the skin is vacuumed into the cup.
- Fixed Cupping – the cups are held in place at different variations of strength to treat the problematic area.
- Sliding Cupping – oil is applied to the area where the cups are to be placed which allows the practitioner to move the cups as needed over the skin. This allows them to see where there is poor blood flow. The darker the marks, the worse the circulation is.
- Cupping with Retention – leaving cups on for an extended time of 10 – 15 minutes.
- Quick Cupping – removing the cups quickly once the skin is vacuumed into the cup.
- Fixed Cupping – the cups are held in place at different variations of strength to treat the problematic area.
- Sliding Cupping – oil is applied to the area where the cups are to be placed which allows the practitioner to move the cups as needed over the skin. This allows them to see where there is poor blood flow. The darker the marks, the worse the circulation is.
- Cupping with Retention – leaving cups on for an extended time of 10 – 15 minutes.
- Quick Cupping – removing the cups quickly once the skin is vacuumed into the cup.
Conditions treated with cupping:
A few examples are: headaches, migraines, neck pain, back pain, depression, fatigue , fibromyalgia, bronchial congestion, digestive issues . It is also used in cosmetic acupuncture.
Cupping Benefits:
- Alleviate stress & emotional trauma – in the on-the-go world we live in, stress is a huge factor in many chronic health conditions including anxiety and depression, digestive disorders, and fatigue. Cupping relieves the physical tension that often accompanies heavy emotions and stress.
- Decreases congestion – in ancient times, cupping was used for conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, and pulmonary tuberculosis. It still yields healing for alleviating chest congestion, clearing mucus from allergies, and suppressing coughs. The most common place on the body to have a cupping treatment, the upper back, benefits the lungs to release phlegm while making space for deeper breathing.
- Reduces pain – cupping is very helpful for pain related to the back, neck, shoulders, headaches, tight muscles, and sports injuries.
- Improves the immune system – cupping seems to benefit the immune system by launching “artificial local inflammation” which cues the body to deliver antibodies that clear damaged cells.
- Improves recovery time – cupping is known to aid in sports injuries, and can help speed up recovery time for optimum performance. It is also used by many athletes as a preventative for soreness, mobility, and loosening tight muscles.
Side-effects of cupping:
- Discolored circular marks on the skin which do not cause pain and heal within a few days. When cupping is done repeatedly the discoloration diminishes greatly, yet the benefits are still there.
The application of glass cups through suction is another technique that helps stimulate blood flow, relax muscles and remove toxins.
Experience the rejuvenating power of cupping therapy with Heidi Day. Cupping involves the application of glass cups through gentle suction, a technique known for its ability to enhance blood circulation, alleviate muscle tension, and promote the body’s natural detoxification process.
Through the careful placement of cups on specific areas of the body, Heidi utilizes this ancient practice to help you find relief from various ailments, including stress, pain, and fatigue. Discover the profound benefits of cupping therapy and embark on a journey towards holistic wellness with Heidi Day.
Contact us today to schedule your cupping therapy session and take the first step towards revitalizing your mind, body, and spirit.
