Cupping Therapy

What is Cupping?

Cupping is a traditional therapy originating from Eastern medicine, especially in China and the Middle East. In cupping therapy, cups are placed on the skin, and a pump creates a vacuum that gently lifts the skin and underlying tissue into the cups.

How Does Cupping Work?

The vacuum increases blood flow to the treated area, drawing toxins from deeper tissues to the surface, which can help detoxify the body. Cupping also promotes blood and lymphatic circulation, which can accelerate healing and reduce pain.

Benefits of Cupping

  • Relieve muscle tension and pain
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Improve circulation
  • Boost the immune system
  • Reduce stress and tension

After the treatment

Cupping can leave dark marks on the skin, which typically fade within a few days to a few weeks. These marks are a normal part of the process and indicate areas with increased blood flow.

Cupping Techniques

There are various cupping techniques that differ in material and method. Two popular types are plastic cups with a pump and silicone cups. Here’s more information on both:

1. Plastic Cups with a Pump
This technique uses hard plastic cups with a hand pump to create suction. The hand pump removes the air from the cups once they are placed on the skin, generating strong suction. This type of cupping has the following features and benefits:

  • Control over suction strength: The pump allows precise control over the suction strength, which is helpful for adjusting the intensity according to the client's comfort level or treatment goal.
  • Suitable for deeper massage: Due to the strong suction, plastic cups with a pump are ideal for more intensive treatments to reach deeper muscle layers and relax tense muscles.
  • Great for static cupping: These cups stay in one place, making them perfect for targeted pain relief or inflammation treatment. They are less suitable for techniques where the cup is moved over the skin.

2. Silicone Cups
Silicone cups are more flexible and often used without a pump. By squeezing the cup and placing it on the skin, suction is created. This technique offers a gentler form of cupping with several benefits:

  • Milder suction: The suction is usually less intense than with plastic cups, making silicone cups better suited for sensitive skin and gentler treatments.
  • Ideal for gliding cupping: With some oil applied to the skin, silicone cups can easily be moved. This creates a massaging effect and helps stimulate blood flow over larger areas.
  • User-friendly: Silicone cups are easy to use and flexible, making them more comfortable for curved areas of the body, like shoulders or joints.

When should you avoid undergoing Cupping Therapy?

  • Blood clotting disorders: People with clotting problems (such as hemophilia) or those on blood thinners are at higher risk for bruising or unwanted bleeding.
  • Pregnancy: Cupping on certain areas of the body may be safe, but it’s advised to avoid the abdomen and lower back during pregnancy. Always consult a healthcare professional.
  • Skin issues: Avoid cupping over open wounds, infected areas, rashes, eczema, or inflamed skin, as this could worsen the condition.
  • Fever or infections: Cupping isn’t recommended if you have the flu, a fever, or an active infection, as it could stimulate circulation and potentially spread the infection.
  • Cancer: Avoid cupping directly over tumor sites. People with cancer should consult a medical professional to determine if cupping is safe for them.
  • Varicose veins: Cupping may stimulate circulation, which can be harmful around varicose veins. It’s better to avoid these areas or work carefully around them.
  • Bone fractures or recent injuries: Avoid cupping over recent fractures, bruises, or other serious injuries to not disrupt the healing process.
  • Weakness or extreme fatigue: For those who are physically very weak, cupping may be too intense. In these cases, consult a healthcare provider first.
  • Diabetes: If there are wound healing issues, cupping should be applied with caution, as it may cause bruising or slight skin damage that could be harder to heal.

If in doubt, it’s always wise to consult a doctor beforehand to determine if cupping is a safe and suitable option.

Lasts approx. 25 minutes