cupping

What is Cupping?
Cupping is a traditional form or treatment that is used by many cultures.  As a method of treating disease it does so by causing local congestion to the area where the cups are placed.

How cupping works:
A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place.

Cupping has been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to:

• Loosen knots and ease muscle tension
• Release toxins
• Activate the lymphatic system
• Clear colon blockages
• Help activate and clear the veins
• Arteries and capillaries
• Activate the skin
• Clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins. 

Just as with Gua Sha, cupping helps several pain conditions caused by congestion or stagnation to an area of the body.  It can produce red circle marks on the skin that do not hurt and are used by the practitioner as a diagnostic tool.