Cupping
Cupping is an effective modality I use, along with Acupuncture for pain relief. It is a myofascial release technique that can be compared to a reverse massage.
How does cupping work:
Cupping is an effective modality I use, along with Acupuncture for pain relief. Cupping therapy dates back to 1,500 B.C. and was used in that time by the Egyptians and has been used by many different cultures for healing ever since then. It is a myofascial release technique that can be compared to a reverse massage. By creating a vacuum, the cup suctions on to tight muscles and helps to release tightness and adhesions. Along with acupuncture, this helps to realign the body and give long lasting pain relief. There are often marks left after cupping that can range in color from a light pink to a darker purple hue. Although these marks look like bruises they are in fact not bruises. Cupping does not break the blood vessels which is what happens when one gets a bruise and the marks left behind from cupping are not painful. The marks left are thought to be indications of stagnation being moved through the body through the process of cupping.
Cupping is extremely relaxing, helps to reduce stress and in addition to being used for pain relief can be used to help some respiratory conditions such as coughs, bronchitis and asthma when used correctly. There are a number of methods of cupping. In my practice I only do dry cupping and the three methods I most often use are fixed cupping, moving cupping and flash cupping.
Our methods of cupping.
Fixed Cupping
The cups are placed on a selected area of your body and then left in place without being moved for a specific amount of time.
Moving Cupping
As implied in the name, there’s movement in this method. I apply massage oil or salve on your skin in selected places, put the cups over the areas to be treated, and then slide them around that region of the body — most commonly the back. The cups slide easily because the salve or oil has lubricated your body.
Flash Cupping
This form of cupping is most often used for upper respiratory conditions. This is a medium to strong cupping method with very short applications, Flash Cupping is used to raise the immune system by moving qi and blood. This method is commonly used for treating children. The cups are applied and quickly popped off again.
You ought to consider exploring the benefits of cupping if you seek relief from stress, pain, allergies, fatigue, flu, colds, back pain, anxiety, muscle aches, red itchy skin conditions, or fever.
Let's Talk!
To learn more about how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help please feel free to call 503.308.9363 to speak with Acupuncturist Sita Symonette or email her