Cupping

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What is Cupping?

Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction and facilitate the flow of “qi” in the body. Qi is a Chinese word meaning life force.

The suction supports healing with blood flow. Cupping helps separate the myofascia from the muscle in order to release toxins and alleviate painful muscle adhesions. This modality helps to increase blood circulation, relax tight muscles and reduce pain.

A famous Taoist alchemist and herbalist, Ge Hong, reportedly first practiced cupping. He lived from A.D. 281 to 341. Many Taoists believe that cupping helps balance yin and yang, or the negative and positive, within the body. Restoring balance between these two extremes is thought to help with the body’s resistance to pathogens as well as its ability to increase blood flow and reduce pain.

Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This may relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue. People use cupping to complement their care for a host of issues and conditions.

How Cupping Works in Rosedale and Markham

There are various types of “cups”, such as cups made from bamboo, ceramic, metal, silicone and plastic. Modern cupping is performed using glass cups that are rounded like balls and open on one end.

There are two main categories of cupping performed today:

Dry cupping is a suction-only method. The inside of each cup is heated — typically with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball that is set aflame. The heat sends oxygen out of the cup, creating a vacuum. Some providers use a suction device to remove air from cups. Once placed on your skin, the vacuum force pulls skin up into the cup.
Wet cupping may involve both suction and controlled medicinal bleeding. A needle is used to lightly puncture your skin before, and sometimes after, cupping. Toxins leave the body through the puncture wounds during the cupping procedure.

Your practitioner, your medical condition, and your preferences will help determine what method is used.

Cupping Specialties

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Cupping Benefits

The benefits of cupping include local pain relief and muscle relaxation. Cupping improves overall health by removing the energy blockages that TCM practitioners identify as barriers to the flow of healthy energy or Qi. For athletes, cupping may help increase blood flow to a particular muscle region or help reduce pain.

Other benefits include:

Conditions Treated

Cupping is employed mainly to relieve conditions that cause pain. Cupping may ease symptoms of:

Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Back pain, neck pain, knee pain and shoulder pain.
Bronchial congestion caused by allergies and asthma.
Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel disease (IBD).
Headaches and migraines.
High blood pressure (hypertension).
Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia .
Fertility and gynecological disorders .
Skin problems such as eczema and acne .
Anxiety and depression .
Varicose veins.

Cupping Treatment Procedure

Duration
Sensation
Side Effects

Duration

The typical duration of the cupping treatment varies from 15 to 25 minutes. Treatments can be done on a daily basis for acute problems and every other day for more chronic conditions.

Sensation

Cupping has a sedating effect on the nervous system, and many people find it profoundly relaxing. The suction will feel tight at first (not painful) while it draws your skin up into the cup. That sensation passes quickly as your therapist moves on to place the next cup. After placing each cup on your back, shoulder, abdomen, etc, your therapist will repeat the suction process. They’ll always check to make sure you’re still comfortable.

After a cupping treatment, clients typically report feelings of relief, muscular release, lightness, pleasant tingling, and freedom from pain and an increase in flexibility and muscular control. Contracted, tense and painful muscle tissue will soften quickly with just a few minutes of cupping.

Side Effects

Cupping is a very low-risk therapy. Still, you may experience the following:

Fatigue.
Headaches.
Muscle tension or soreness.
Nausea.

Cupping Results

The full benefits of cupping therapy are usually achieved after between 5 and 10 visits. Sometimes the benefits are noticed immediately but are short lived, in particular when dealing with emotional complaints or longstanding chronic problems. Ten sessions are considered to be one course of treatment, but this may vary depending on the condition being treated.

Cupping FAQ

How long will the cupping marks stay?

Cupping leaves red, circular marks that can look like bruises (but are not usually painful). These are caused by the increased circulation that the cups draw into the layers of the skin, and they usually last for around one week, sometimes a bit longer.

Should I take a shower or bath after a cupping treatment?

It’s better to stay away from warm temperatures 2 hours before and 2 hours after the treatment as it can lead to skin damage and inflammation. You can return to all your other regular activities after the treatment.

Is cupping therapy safe for pregnant women?

For pregnant women, cupping on the lower abdomen, medial leg and lumbosacral region should be avoided.

Is there anyone who should NOT get cupping?

There are a few conditions and situations where cupping is not appropriate. If you’re on high doses of blood thinners, or if you are thin, frail or have fragile skin, cupping is not appropriate. Similarly, if you have active cancer, skin trauma or a blood disorder, you should stay away from it until your circumstances change. In any case, always share your medication list and health history with your practitioner before a session.

Why us? We provide high-quality TCM and acupuncture services while always prioritizing the client’s comfort.