Cupping / Fire Cupping

Cupping, or fire cupping as it is sometimes called, is a Chinese medicine technique that involves creating a vacuum within a cup and placing it on the skin causing suction. Cupping has great therapeutic effects by loosening adhesions and lifting connective tissue. This releases stagnation and promotes blood flow in the area. Cupping was brought into the spotlight by Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and other famous athletes after they were photographed with the markings on their bodies. There are 3 primary methods of cupping that are used in our clinic.

1. Stationary Cupping:   cups are placed on the body and retained for a specific period of time.
2. Moving Cups:   cups are placed on the body and then slid along large muscle groups, ie. the back.
3. Flash Cupping:   cups are quickly placed and removed repeatedly on a spot until the area turns red.

Cupping can be used to treat the following conditions and may be included in an acupuncture session based on the acupuncturists' treatment plan:

Muscle pain/tightness
Abdominal pain
Poor digestion
Diarrhea
Dysmennorrhea

Low back pain
Headache
Hypertension
Asthma
Upper respiratory infections (cold & flu)
...and more

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