Cupping Is The Modern Day Go To For All Skin And Body Effects.

Cupping is the modern day go for all bodily effects, from creating elasticity to reducing scar tissue and changing the appearance of a scar, traditionally used for treating illnesses in Eastern medicine.  

Cupping, can be used as an effective treatment where a special cup is attached to the body's surface.   The cup sticks to the skin through suction, usually through the flame; as the flame burns the oxygen, it produces negative pressure within the cup, pulling the skin and subcutaneous tissue upward into it.  

What Is Cupping 

There are different methods of cupping and light suction, where the upper layers of the skin are affected: stronger cupping influences deeper tissues and deep muscles. Throughout the years, many have been implemented to apply suction from animal horns, hollow pieces of bamboo, earthware, and cups of different varieties. 

There are different sized cups used for various healing reasons, some are therapeutic, and others are based on cosmetic applications.  The traditional use for cupping was to aid in alleviating respiratory issues, coughing, fever, arthritic conditions, and acute and chronic pain.  

Why Have Cupping

Cupping can be used to relax the body, as it benefits the nervous system, similar to the benefits of having a massage and detoxifying the tissues; it is just done for a shorter duration.   It is used for cosmetic reasons, improving the elasticity of the connective tissues and fasciae, and reducing cellulite and water retention.  Gentle cupping done for cosmetic reasons helps lubricate and moisten the skin and benefits scar tissue.  

How Is Cupping Applied 

Cupping is performed by applying massage oil to lubricate the skin before using the cups. Cups are gently placed with a light to medium suction for the first treatment to see the bodily response and avoid an undesired reaction.  The strength of the treatment is increased as the treatment continues. 

Cups are left on for no more than 10 minutes.  Cups are only usually left on for several minutes, as leaving a strong suction cup on can damage tissue.  

When larger cups are used with greater suction, they are left on for a shorter time frame.  The cups are removed by releasing the vacuum, disrupting the suction. 

After Cupping 

After the cupping is complete gentle massage is applied to move the energy and blood, reducing the congestion created by the suction. All cups are washed and sterilised after use.  

The Different methods of Cupping 

Light suction cupping -  this type of cupping is used with those that are depleted or for children. It applies enough suction to hold the cup, with a soft pulling sensation.  The cups can be left for a longer duration and do not leave any marks on the body.

Medium suction cupping - medium suction is used for the first treatment before moving into a stronger application, ideal for older children, pregnancy, or anyone.  The suction is applied to lift the skin into the cup; it can leave mild marks if left on for a greater duration.  The sensation has a slight pulling.

Strong suction cupping - This form of cupping has a strong pulling sensation and marks the body quickly.  The cups are applied for 3-5 minutes, and then massage is used to relax the cupped area. This style of cupping is applied to the back and shoulders to remove stagnation and draw out any toxins or heat within the body. 

Sliding cupping - This method is applied by moving the cup in a sliding motion on the body; the suction is a mild to medium pressure.  Redness appears as the sliding is done to draw out toxins, regulate the flow of energy and blood, and alleviate pain and stagnation in body areas.  

Alternate cupping - This method is done by placing cups on and off to remove cold from the body and stagnation without taking away too much energy.  

Needling cupping -  When an acupuncture needle is applied, a large suction cup is used over the top, with strong suction, allowing blood to be sucked into the cup. This method removes acute painful conditions with inflammation, swelling, or pain.

Cupping in labour - Cupping is applied to move the feeling of lower back pain during childbirth; this is done with sliding cupping, driving the flow of energy within the body.  This is applied for short periods to descend rising yang and aid with descending a baby, softening the muscles and alleviating pain.  Stimulation can be used on the cups with a TENS machine for greater effectiveness.  

However, you apply cupping; it is an effective treatment that can be combined with acupuncture or done alone.  It is available in the clinic and may be added to your next treatment. 

Book an Appointment

Book in a Cupping session with Melinda, Cupping can be accessed through an Acupuncture session