CUPPING THERAPY
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced (either by heat or suction) in order to draw and hold skin and
superficial muscles inside the cup. Sometimes, while the suction is active, the cup is moved, causing the skin and muscle to be pulled.
Cupping is applied to certain acupuncture points as well as to parts of the body that have been affected by pain, where the pain is deeper than the tissues to be pulled. Cupping has greater emphasis on the back acupuncture due to the ease with which it can be performed on the back.
Cupping is based on the meridian theory of the body. On one hand, cupping removes stagnation in the body and opens the meridians so that qi can flow freely. On the other, it also helps to rejuvenate certain meridians and organs that are not functioning at their best. From a scientific standpoint, cupping is known to help activate the lymphatic system, promote blood circulation and therefore good for deep tissue repair.
Indications for Cupping Therapy?
- Poor circulation (hands/feet)
- Tiredness
- Sciatica
- Digestive problems
- Headaches
- Muscular aches/pains
- Joint inflammation
- Cellulite
- Sports Injuries
- Depression
- Detoxification
- Allergies (hay fever etc)
Contradictions
- Inflamed skin
- Open cuts
- DVT
- Recent surgery
- Suspected haemorrhage
- Heart conditions
- Pregnancy
- Diabetics (only allowed weak cupping)
- High/low blood pressure (long term)
- Young Children
*PLEASE NOTE* - Red marks will be left and these can last up to 10 days depending on personal aftercare. We also suggest clients who are excessively hairy to shave/wax 48 hours prior to Cupping Therapy treatment and clients who have contradictions cannot be treated (please find these listed above)
Aftercare (24-48 hours)
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid stimulants (coffee, alcohol, energy drinks)
- Relax
- Avoid heavy meals
- Get plenty of fresh air
- Avoid direct heat to the area which you had Cupping therapy e.g sauna's, sunbeams.