Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine’s treatment used in our clinic. It involves firing the air inside a glass cup which is placed on the affected part of the body, typically on the back. The fire is used to remove the oxygen from the glass cups to create a vacuum.
Muscle tissue is then inverted and pulled upwards due to the suction. The cups can be placed stationary or can be glided throughout the treatment lasting about 10 minutes. The gentle suction from the vacuum allows the muscle fibers in large regions of the body to be slowly relaxed allowing a soothing sensation. Cupping is used to release Qi and blood stasis from the meridians and surrounding tissue. If done properly, cupping can be an invigorating deep tissue massage and often, the benefits last longer than a standard massage session.
After cupping, please drink plenty of warm water for better detoxification. Don’t take shower right after treatment. Wear a shirt to cover the treated area for at least 4 hours.
What does the cupping mark mean?
Once cupping is finished, there will be varying degree of color over the tissues ranging from pale, pink red, to red, purple, and dark purple. It is a local build-up of your body’s waste products, such as dead, static blood, lymph, cellular debris, and toxins.
The darker color indicates less oxygen flow within the tissue causing stagnation of blood. The pale mark means Qi or blood deficiency.
The marks will present for a short appearance on the skin. In general, it will last three to seven days.
Once the color has disappeared, the tissue can then be cupped again. You will notice a decrease in discoloration after multiple sessions, and your original discomfort will be less too.
