What is Cupping?

 

Cupping therapy is a form of holistic, traditional medicine which has been used for centuries to promote health and wellbeing. Cups are placed on the skin to create a vacuum or suction. The suction helps to pull the skin and underlying tissues upwards, which can stimulate blood flow, release tension, and promote healing. This practice has its roots in ancient cultures, including Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern medicine, and is still widely used today as a natural therapeutic treatment.

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Health Benefits of Cupping Therapy

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Cupping therapy is known for its wide-ranging benefits, some of which include:

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• Relief from Muscle Pain & Tension: Cupping can be an effective way to treat sore muscles and alleviate chronic pain by enhancing blood circulation and breaking down knots and adhesions and relaxing tight muscles.

• Boosted Blood Circulation: The suction process stimulates circulation, promoting oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues and helping to remove waste products and inflammation from the body.

• Detoxification: By encouraging lymphatic drainage and promoting the removal of toxins, cupping supports the body’s natural detoxification process.

• Stress Relief & Relaxation: Cupping therapy can help reduce stress by relaxing the nervous system and easing tension in the body.​

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What to Expect During a Cupping Session

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A typical cupping therapy session lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. Here’s what you can expect:

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1. Consultation: You’ll have a brief consultation with a licensed therapist to discuss your health concerns and goals.

2. Massage: Normally the treatment will start with some massage to increase circulation and start to break down knots 

3. Placement of Cups: The therapist will place the cups on specific areas of your body, typically on your back, shoulders, or legs. You may feel a gentle pulling sensation as the cups create a vacuum.

4. The cups can be used in a variety of ways depending on the body part and the treatment needed. The cups can simply be left on the body for the duration of the treatment or the cups can be used to massage the treatment area by sliding them across the skin. Alternatively the cups can be left on the skin whilst mobilising the surrounding joint. 

5. Post-Treatment Care: After the session, you may notice some redness or marks where the cups were placed. These are completely normal and will fade within a few hours to a few days.