This therapy has been found in ancient records dating back 3500 years and is still used today by many alternative medicine practitioners. Advancements in technology and materials have been integrated with cupping therapy and it is used for many different treatments and applications.

Fire Cup Method

A cotton ball soaked in alcohol is ignited and held inside the cup with forceps to burn the oxygen in the cup. The cotton ball is quickly removed and the cup is placed on the selected site on the patient’s skin. The vacuum created inside the cup draws the patient’s skin up inside the cup causing blood to rush to the area.

Suction Cup Method

Air is suctioned from the cup manually with a pump after the cup is placed on the skin of the patient.

How does cupping work?

The intense infusion of blood caused by cupping:

• Clears stagnation
• Drains and move fluid
• Relieves inflammation
• Expels congestion
• Stretches muscles and connective tissue
• Loosens adhesions
• Brings nourishment to the site.

In alternative medicine, pain is said to be from a disharmony relating to the flow of Qi in your body.  When a suction cup is placed on a problem area, the vacuum pull of the cup creates warmth and circulation to the area. The suction from the cups can penetrate deep into your tissues causing the tissues to release harmful toxins.  It triggers the lymphatic system, clears the blood vessels, stretches and activates the skin.

Does Cupping Hurt?

During cupping, patients normally report feeling a tugging sensation on their skin.