CUPPING

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, or rather on your body. Its responsibilities range from protection to temperature regulation, and in Chinese Medicine the skin is where those major acupuncture channels and their respective Qi live. While acupuncture uses needles to access and promote the flow of Qi and blood, cupping uses, well, cups.

By creating suction on the skin using cups, this therapy works to dispel stagnation by raising “toxins” (which is an umbrella term for cell waste, stagnant lymph, lactic acid build up, and byproducts of inflammation) up through the tissues so that your lymphatic system can carry it away for disposal. This process promotes healing for various ailments, including muscle pain, emotional stress and trauma, respiratory issues, and digestive problems, aiming to restore balance and enhance the body's natural healing capabilities.

In this office, I utilize glass, acrylic, and silicone cups to get the job done; it all boils down to what your body needs when you come in.

What about the cupping marks?

The circular marks left on the skin after cupping therapy are a result of the suction created by the cups, which draws blood to the surface. These marks are not bruises in the traditional sense of an injury to muscle fibers, but rather they indicate areas where blood and cellular debris may have been stagnant or congested. The color and pattern of the marks can vary, with darker marks suggesting a greater degree of stagnation or "blockage" in that area, while lighter marks may indicate healthier circulation.

The deeper the condition lies, the darker the mark. As you continue treatment, the color of the marks will lighten.

Ultimately, these temporary marks provide visual feedback to you and to me about the areas being treated and the body's response to the therapy.

Cupping marks can last for anywhere from 1-hour to 3 weeks so it’s best to plan accordingly.

Before your appointment:

CUPPING APPOINTMENT CHECK LISTS

  • Eat something before your session. Being cupped on an empty stomach may cause dizziness or nausea.

  • Drink water before your session, or bring water with you. Your muscles need to be well hydrated to make it easier to move the stagnant blood and toxins, and to prevent stiffness after treatment.

  • Know your upcoming social schedule. Discoloration from cupping can last anywhere from 1 hour to 3 weeks. It’s difficult to predict, so if you know in advance that you have an important event coming up, and you don’t want your cupping marks visible, then plan accordingly.

  • Bring clothing that can cover the area where you were cupped. Following the session you will want to ensure exposure is kept to a bare minimum. You should bring a scarf, sweater, hoodie, or jacket as cover-up.

After your appointment:

  • Keep the cupped area covered, warm, and free from any drafts following your treatment. Cupping opens the surface of the body, therefore temperature extremes (especially cold or wind) can trigger the muscles to go into spasm or tighten up. You need to be sure to keep the area protected and avoid activities such as hot tubs or cold showers. Warm baths are acceptable if you can avoid leaning back into the tub where the area may be put up against cold ceramic.

  • Drink plenty of water! Since toxins have been released back into your system, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to help your body flush them out.

  • Avoid alcohol or other toxic substances for at least 48 hours following the session. Your liver is working hard to process what has been reintroduced into the system; don't make it work any harder than it has to.

  • Take it easy! Healing happens in the quiet moments we create; so avoid strenuous activity. Give yourself permission to take down time to recuperate.