Cupping Therapy

 

How does cupping therapy work?

Cupping comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine that uses “cups” on the body to focus blood flow in an area. Focused blood flow helps your body by flushing built-up toxins through the lymphatic system. Cupping is a deep-tissue modality that works deeper into your muscles and fascia.

What are the benefits?

 Creates a sense of well-being 

Increases circulation

 Lowers blood pressure

Promotes relaxation 

Decreases stress and anxiety 

Alleviates tension

How long is a session?

Cupping usually lasts anywhere from 5-10 minutes for the area being treated. Many people can feel the results almost immediately after the treatment. Similar to a massage, some people may feel some soreness immediately after that improves with rest, usually within 24 hours.

What are those marks?

Once you are done with your Cupping Therapy session you’ll notice round marks left behind from the cups. The marks are not bruises and they will not hurt, you may feel sore for 24-48 hours after but it will not be painful. These marks can tell you how stagnated the treated tissue was. With darker marks meaning there was more stagnation. Staying well hydrated can shorten the time for the marks to fade. Some may fade after a few hours while others take up to two weeks to disappear completely. The discolorations are related to your body’s health at the time of cupping. If you’d like those marks to go away faster, do two things: hydrate and rest. Everyone’s body responds differently to cupping, even when following these cupping aftercare guidelines.

Contraindications of Cupping Therapy

Cupping is considered a modality that is safe for most people, however the following conditions are not suitable:

• Currently undergoing cancer treatment

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Pregnancy

How do I prepare for cupping therapy?
1. Hydrate. Water is essential for your health, especially for your lymphatic system. Cupping supports your lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system clears away cellular waste from your body and it needs plenty of water to do this effectively.
2. Eat an hour or so before your appointment.
3. Don’t shave the area we will be working on within four hours of your appointment.
4. Recover from sunburn. When you receive cupping, it will feel like that area is warmer than normal. Neither the cup nor the extra heat will feel good on sunburned skin. Apply some soothing aloe and wait until your skin has recovered before your next cupping appointment.
5. Don’t exfoliate aggressively. Exfoliating removes a layer of dead skin, which makes your skin extra sensitive. Wait a couple of days after aggressive exfoliation treatment before receiving cupping.

What to avoid after cupping therapy:
For 4-6 hours post cupping, avoid exposure to:
1. Caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods and drinks. These foods slow down your body’s ability to process the treatment.
2. Hot showers, saunas, hot tubs and strong air conditioning. After cupping, your skin will be more sensitive to temperature in the areas where the cups were placed.
3. Intense exercise
4. Cold and windy conditions.

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