Cupping is one of the best ways to relieve tightness and pain in the body. It uses suction to pull toxins and cellular waste out of the deeper body tissues into the more superficial layers, where normal blood and lymphatic circulation can remove it from the body. The suction also encourages blood flow, which brings fresh blood, lymphatic fluid, oxygen, and nutrients into the area, which can accelerate healing and alleviate pain.

Pain is frequently caused by stagnant blood and body fluids, or by toxins that have accumulated in our body. Consider the amount of toxins that we encounter everyday: pesticides, solvents, cleaning products, chemicals, plastics, cigarette smoke and other airborne pollutants, heavy metals and antibiotics (often found in fish and meat). Removing these toxins through cupping, bodywork, acupuncture, and herbal medicine can result in healthier bodies and prevent future toxin-related diseases.

During a cupping session, a vacuum is created inside of glass or plastic cups, which anchors the cup to the skin and pulls the skin up slightly into the cup as the air cools. This is opens the skin pores, increase blood and lymph flow, and pull toxins out of the tissue.

The cups are typically in place for up to 5 to 10 minutes, and several cups may be placed on different parts of the body at the same time. Cupping may leave round bruises on the skin that will resolve within several days. This occurs when stagnant blood and other waste products are brought to the surface. The normal flow of blood and lymph at the skin surface will resolve any residual bruising.

Cupping is typically used to treat respiratory conditions (bronchitis, asthma, congestion), arthritis, gastrointestinal and digestive disorders, muscular tightness, and pain. It is also used as a preventative measure to help the body process any accumulated toxins and waste materials which may lead to ailments over time.

Do you have shoulder pain, back pain, muscle tightness, or concerns about toxic build-up?  Cupping may be helpful! Contact me by message or phone, or just schedule an appointment – I’d love to work with you!