Chinese Fire Cupping
Cupping is a Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment that has been used for thousands of years, it's like a reverse massage where the cups pull the skin, muscles and tissues upwards.
Fire cupping is a technique that uses glass cups and heat to disperse and break up stagnation and congestion by drawing congested blood and toxins to the surface.
Cupping is used for immediate pain relief, enhancing blood and lymphatic circulation, and supporting your immune system.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that pain results from the congestion, stagnation, and blockage of Qi, or vital energy, vital fluids, lymph, phlegm, and blood. If pain is the essence of disease, then suffering is a result of obstructed or irregular flow in the body.
Chinese cupping is therefore a method of breaking up the blockage to restore the body’s natural flow of energy.
Cupping Benefits
-
Reduces adhesions in the fascia which increases blood flow to the surrounding areas.
-
Increases lymphatic circulation
-
Helps relieve pain
-
Feels incredibly relaxing
-
Pulls pathogens and toxins that linger deep in the body's tissues.
-
Cupping is used for:
-
Relieving neck, shoulder and back tension
-
Decreasing coughs and congestion
-
Clearing allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchiness)
-
Reducing red, itchy skin conditions
-
Increasing circulation to warm body, clear inflammation or swelling
Cupping Method
To create the vacuum required in cupping we use the fire cupping method.
Fire cupping uses an open flame to create low air pressure inside glass cupsthe flame is quickly removed and the cup is placed on the skinas the air inside the cup cools, it contracts and draws the skin into the cup. This is a painless procedure.
Skin markings or slight bruises are common after fire cupping, the markings usually disappear after 2-4 days or longer depending on the amount of stagnation in the tissues.
*Cupping sessions are usually combined with an acupuncture or acupressure session.
Before Your Session: make sure you are adequately hydrated the day of your appointment and make time to use the washroom beforehand. Try not to consume a large meal right before your appointment as you will be lying down for part or all of your treatment.