Cupping Therapy

Cupping Therapy

Traditional Chinese Medicine have believe that the body contains "Meridians".  These meridians are pathways in the body which the energy of life called Qi ("chi") flows through.  It flows through every body part, tissue, and organ.  

Cupping therapy is used in conditions in which stagnation is believed to play either a major role in the cause of disease or a result from disease which is preventing the healing of the body.

Cupping therapy is a method of treating disease that is caused by local stagnation or results in local stagnation. A partial vacuum is created in a glass jar, using a flame which is then applied directly to the skin. The underlying tissue is drawn up into the jar.  This appears to bruise the area, or at least turn it a bright red. The degree of colour: dark red or even purple blood drawn to the surface indicates the degree of stagnation. The darker the shade of red, purple the more stagnation there is in the area.  This stagnation in modern terms relates to the amount of toxins in the body tissue: muscles, fascia and sheaths which prevent proper functioning of the body.  The ‘bruising effect’ generally clears up within 3 to 7 days and although it make look uncomfortable like a bruise there is no discomfort.

An healing aspect of cupping therapy is through the release of toxins in your body.  The suction from the cups can penetrate deep into your tissues causing the tissues to release harmful toxins.  It triggers the lymphatic system, clears the blood vessels, and stretches and activates the skin.

Cupping is generally indicated in the treatment of arthritis pain, abdominal pain, stomach ache, indigestion, headache, hypertension, common cold, cough, low back pain, painful menstruation, shoulder and neck pain and injury rehabilitation.

Cupping therapy can be used on its own or in conjunction with other modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine such as acupuncture, tuina massage and/or moxa.  Cupping therapy is an effective , non-invasive, efficient method to promote healing and recovery.