Information you should know: Cupping has been practiced for thousands of years for the treatment of disease and pain. It is a form of acupuncture that focuses on the movement of blood, energy - called qi - and body fluids, such as lymph, which circulate around the body's tissues. Oriental medicine states that pain is due to stagnation of these systems. This stagnation can be a result of injury or stress.
How does Cupping work? Cupping involves creating a vacuum over various parts of the body. This is done by briefly heating the air in an inverted cup, which then produces a vacuum when the air cools after the cup is applied to the skin. The resultant low pressure under the cup causes a localised expansion of tissue. Cupping is used therapeutically to draw blood flow to areas of pain, thus flushing capillary beds and re-supplying vital nutrients. It also mobilises and stretches soft tissue thus loosening areas of restriction.
How can Cupping help me? Cupping is helpful for relief from muscle spasms, back pain, as well as arthritic and rheumatic problems. While stimulating the skin and underlying muscles, it promotes the release of toxins that have accumulated in the area and increases circulation of blood and lymph vessels. Cupping can also increase immunity in a particular area since the suction causes the release of a histamine-like substance in the skin which stimulates immune system response.
