Cupping Treatment
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of treatment in which a therapist places special cups on your skin to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, and well-being. The appointment takes approximately 20 mins.
Read below for more information and common frequently asked questions.
If you have never been seen at the clinic before, and are coming in for the first time for cupping, please note that the acupuncturist will need to evaluate you at your appointment to ensure that cupping is the right therapy for you that day.
Cupping is a healing modality used for thousands of years to promote circulation, ease pain, release muscle tension, clear heat and expel toxins. Cupping drastically increases blood flow to a local area, helping tissues heal. Cupping is beneficial for back pain, shoulder tension, improving range of motion, respiratory condition (asthma/bronchitis/common cold), anxiety and stress release.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Make sure you have eaten within 2 hours of your cupping and hydrate well.
Bring or wear a button-down shirt that can be worn with an opening in the back, a stretchy tank top, a modest sports bra, or another garment that would allow for modesty and back and neck access.
Bring a warm layer of clothing with you – it is important to keep the cupped area warm and protected after the treatment.
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Clean reusable plastic cups are placed on the back using a manual pump, which extracts the air out of the cups and creates suction. There is a pulling sensation when the cups are placed, which can also feel like a deep massage. Often, the cupping sensation feels relaxing within 1-2 minutes of cup placement, as muscles release tension. The cups remain on your body for 5-10 minutes.
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It is common for cupping to cause red or purple skin discoloration (petechia). (You may have seen athletes’ or celebrities’ photos in the media with round cupping marks.) These marks are a normal result of a cupping treatment, rarely cause discomfort, and will usually fade after a few days to a week. Plan to keep your skin in this area mostly covered and warm to support the increased blood flow.
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Take it easy the rest of the day after your session, or at the very least rest for a few hours.
Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out any toxins from your system, avoid alcohol and other intoxicants.
Avoid extremes of temperature and activity for at least 24 hours after your session.
If you feel sore from it, a hot shower is helpful.
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Based on the level of color that comes up after your treatment, your acupuncturist will recommend a time to come back. Typically, if the marks are very dark you’ll want to follow up with a couple more sessions over a few weeks.
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