All about Cupping Therapy
Cupping or Cupping Therapy is one of the (very enjoyable) bodywork modalities I use in Acupuncture and Bodywork treatments and often with my pediatric patients here at Village A&A. It’s also included in the Village Membership too.
Cupping has been used for over five thousand years and has been used in Asia, the Middle East, Norther and Eastern Europe, and North America. Cups can be made of glass, plastic, silicone, bamboo, animal horns, and even shells.
I often describe Cupping as a “reverse massage” as the muscles, fascia (connective tissue that covers all muscles), and vessels get drawn up into the cup as a result of the vacuum created either by a flame or suction from a pump or squeeze. This suction creates several physiological responses creating healing benefits are various levels.
What it can look like
This suction can create petechiae which can look like a pinkish tone to the skin, red dots, or even large purple circles depending on the health of the patients and the duration and strength of the suction. While these can look like bruises, they are not and are not painful in any way.
Children rarely have marks left on them after I perform cupping most often to improve circulation, support immune health, and/or clear phlegm in the lungs. Children always get songs sung to them along with their cupping, which they enjoy. :)
My adult patients will often have a few pink, red, and occasionally purple circles that clear within three days. Adults rest with their cups on for approximately 10 minutes usually in addition to their acupuncture needles.
Patients of all ages LOVE cupping. It provides the body with a great sense of relaxation. It can feel like you finally took off too-tight clothes and put on ones that fit just right.
Types of Cupping at Village A&A
I use two types of cups at VA&A: plastic and silicone; both of which let me moderate the strength of the suction to ensure it is a comfortable experience.
Before using cups, I apply an oil to the back that may be a neutral non-fragrance oil or one with Ayurvedic medicinal herbs cooked in that promote additional healing.
Cupping styles vary but can include:
Sliding Cupping where the cups are slid up and down the back (a fan favorite)
Static Cupping where the cups are left on the skin for a duration of time
Flash Cupping where the cups are applied then immediately removed
Most of my patients receive a mix of Sliding and Static Cupping.
Why use Cupping Therapy?
Cupping is often used for
Detoxification, especially from regular consumption of toxic substances like smoking or alcohol
Relaxation and Release of Fascia and Muscles
Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain
Headache and Migraine relief
Coughs and Phlegm
But Cupping can be helpful for everyone (with few exceptions like those on anticoagulant medication) to do seasonally to maintain good health, which is why it is included in the Village Membership. Cupping too frequently or too strongly can result in depletion, so be sure to see someone properly trained in assessing your health and performing Cupping Therapy safely.
Want more of the science behind cupping?
Be sure to explore this article in the National Library of Medicine.
A few passages you may find most interesting:
These responses results in “increased blood volume, an elevated capillary filtration rate, and the expulsion of filtered and interstitial fluid into the treated area. The collected fluid contains elevated levels of disease-related and disease-causing substances, prostaglandins, and inflammatory mediators.[8] The increased oncotic pressure in… cupping is believed to stimulate lymphatic uptake, thereby facilitating the removal of accumulated fluids and waste products from the treated area.[9]
and later on…
Cupping therapy has demonstrated notable advantages in addressing various forms of pain, particularly musculoskeletal pain, migraines, and tension headaches.[1] Studies indicate that wet cupping reduces average headache severity by 66% and decreases headache days by 12.6 per month.[15]
Alongside alleviating headaches, cupping therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in relieving arthritic, neuritic, and musculoskeletal pain that affects the trunk, extremities, and neck.[6][10] Cupping therapy has also been used to manage respiratory issues such as cough and dyspnea, as well as to address skin conditions such as acne.[10]
Want to try Cupping Therapy?
Current Patients:
Book a Return Patient Acupuncture Treatment & Bodywork appointment or explore the Village Membership where seasonal Cupping is included.
New Patients:
Book a New Patient Consultation & Acupuncture Treatment and make a note you want to try Cupping when you book.
Have a question? I’m happy to answer it! Reach out via the Contact page.