Cupping

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping is a technique in traditional Chinese medicine that involves placing small cups on the skin to create suction. There are two types:

Dry cupping

In dry cupping, your licensed acupuncturist places cups on specific areas of your skin, heating or pumping out the air inside to create a vacuum effect. This process draws the skin into the cup. 

Wet cupping

Wet cupping is similar but with an additional step. After removing the cups, your licensed acupuncturist creates small incisions on the skin and applies a second round of suction to draw out a small amount of blood. This technique may help drain the body’s toxins.

How does cupping therapy work?

Cupping therapy is a personalized treatment that may vary depending on your specific health concern or pain condition. Most treatments typically include:

Heating the cups and creating a vacuum

Lisa heats the inside of the cups, usually with a flame or a specialized pump, to create a vacuum or negative pressure.

Placing the heated cup to create suction

Once the cups heat up, Lisa places them on the skin. As the air inside cools, it creates a suction effect that draws the skin and underlying tissue upward into the cup.

Manipulating the cups

After allowing the cups to rest in place for a few minutes, Lisa moves them around the treatment area to target specific points.

Increasing blood flow to relieve tension

The suction causes small blood vessels to expand, increasing blood flow to the treated area, which releases muscle tension.

Temporary bruising

After removal, cupping may leave temporary circular marks or bruises on the skin, which fade within a few days.

What health conditions can cupping therapy help treat?

Cupping is an effective therapy for many conditions, including:

• Chronic pain
• Asthma
• Digestive disorders
• Eczema
• Acne
• Stress and anxiety
• Headaches and migraines
• Fertility issues
• Cellulite 
• Arthritis
• High blood pressure
• Allergies
• Sports injuries
• Muscle tension
• Insomnia
• Chronic fatigue
• Constipation
• Menstrual cramps
• Varicose veins

After an evaluation, Lisa at Shoreline Acupuncture can customize cupping therapy to address your specific health concerns.

Call Shoreline Acupuncture today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about the benefits of cupping therapy.