What is cupping?
Cupping is an alternative medicine therapy that has been around for thousands of years. During a cupping session, special glass vessels are used to apply a hypertensile force – lifting the skin up rather than pushing it down – which helps relax muscles, increases blood flow and helps to ease pain.
Cupping works by creating a vacuume within the vessel, usually using flame to take the air out of the cup. The cup is placed on the skin, and the vacuume inside causes the skin to lift up into the cup.
The cups are either left fixed in place, or your practitioner may utilize slide cupping techniques by moving the cups around the area to be treated. This technique helps decompresses the muscle tissue and relaxes the other connective tissue (fascia). Slide cupping has many benefits, including enhancing circulation, promoting blood flow, and improving oxygen in the tissues, which all helps speed up the healing process.
What can it help with?
If you are experiencing any form of joint pain and muscle pain, cupping may help relive some of the symptoms and relax your body.
What does it feel like?
You may feel the suction on your skin, and a release of pressure, but more than likely you won’t feel anything at all. The distinct round cup marks on your skin – which look like bruises – don’t hurt at all and will fade after a few days.
Any contraindications?
We do not use the technique directly on arteries, veins or nerves, and would take care to make sure the skin does not have any inflammation, lesions, open wounds, broken skin or varicose veins.
To book a cupping treatment, click here to book an appointment online or call us on 02 55931265.