Cupping Therapy:

Sometimes called the most effective form of deep-tissue therapy, cupping therapy has a 2,500-year history.  It is a very powerful form of acupressure, and has been used to treat everything from cold symptoms to muscular spasms.

Cupping Therapy Q & A

 Q:  What are those marks?

A:  They are suction marks from the small cups.  They dissipate in about a week.  Some marks are darker than others.  The darker the color, the more effective that particular cupping point was.

Q:  Does it hurt?

A:  No -- you feel a slight pinching sensation, but no pain. 

Q:  What is this therapy used for?

A:  Most clients ask for cupping when they have sore muscles, backaches, stiff neck and shoulders from stress or hard work.  The results are immediate and lasting. Cupping is basically a form of deep-tissue acupressure.  And historically, it has been used for the same symptoms that are treated by acupuncture. 

Q:  How is the suction done?

A:  Modern cups are clear plastic, often with a connection to a tube and a manually-operated air pump. There is a valve on the cup where the air can be released when the cup is removed.  There are several different sizes of cups, which allow a more focused or a broader contact with the various acupressure points.

Q:  How long does a session take?

A:  The normal session is one hour.

It consists of the following parts:

30 min:  cups are applied

15-20 min:  cups doing their work

5 mins:  cups removed