Cupping Therapy

Cupping is another ancient technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Fire cupping involves the use of glass cups and a flame that is quickly inserted into the cup and removed before placing the cup on the skin creating suction. This lifting effect is particularly good for promoting circulation through the connective tissues, muscles and joints. It accelerates healing, promotes relaxation and can also have a analgesic effect. In recent years it has become popular with athletes for reducing muscle tightness and speeding up the recovery of over worked muscles.

In TCM the petechiae (marks that resemble bruising) sometimes left by the cups is believed to be the stagnant blood and toxins that have been pulled to the surface. This promotes fresh blood flow to the area to aid in healing. These marks usually lasts between 3-7 days and are a completely normal result of cupping therapy.