Everyone has been seeing the cupping marks on the Olympic Athletes. Are you wondering what it is?
Cupping is a technique that has been practiced in Traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is also used as a treatment method in many Asian and European countries. In recent years, cupping has really grown in popularity within the United States. So much so, that numerous celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckahm, Jessica Simpson and Lady Gaga get it done regularly. Many athletes have also turned to cupping to relieve stiff muscles, address injuries, and even improve performance.
So what exactly is cupping you wonder? Cupping is a technique performed by acupuncturists by applying cups to the skin. Cups can be made from bamboo or plastic, but the most common kind of cup is made of glass. Placing a burning, alcohol-soaked cotton ball inside of the glass cup removes all the oxygen in it, which creates a vacuum. The cotton ball is quickly removed and the cup is turned upside down and placed on the patient. The vacuum, created by the lack of oxygen, anchors the cup in place and raises the underlying tissue partway into the cup.
Cupping is generally done on fleshy areas of the body, most commonly on the back. It can also be performed on the stomach, arms, legs and even the face. Cupping produces blood flow, improves circulation and pulls toxins out of the body. In turn, it promotes healing, improves health and provides numerous benefits. Stress relief, pain, allergies, asthma and chest congestion, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorder, fatigue, muscle aches, colds and flu are just a few conditions that can be treated by cupping.
Cupping is rarely painful. Rather, most patients find it relaxing and soothing. One way to think about cupping is that it is the inverse of massage. Rather than applying pressure to muscle, the suction uses pressure to pull the skin, tissues and muscles upward to reduce tension and promote relaxation.
There are number of methods of cupping that can be performed. Flash, needle, and bleed cupping are just a few kinds. The most common cupping therapies include stationary and slide cupping. One, or more of these cupping techniques may be used in your treatment session depending on the conditions being addressed. During a session, cups are frequently left on the body between 5-15 minutes. Cupping is often combined with acupuncture into one treatment, but can also be done on its own as an alternative to acupuncture.
Cupping Session (30 Minutes)- $45
