If you have ever been to see an acupuncturist, chances are that they have included a technique called cupping in your treatment, depending on what your complaint was.

What Can Cupping Treat?

Cupping can be used to treat sprains, injuries to soft tissues, sore backs, hips or related pain, fluid retention, bronchitis, asthma or congestion among other complaints. Cupping works in a similar way to acupuncture, working as it does on the subtle energy channels in the body to treat stagnant energy and encouraging the flow of qi.

Increased blood flow into the cupping area allows that part of the body to heal more quickly by bringing toxins to the surface, which can then be released through the pores. By causing tissues to release toxins, cupping clears energy blockages and activates the lymphatic system. Several cups are usually placed on the body simultaneously and then left for up to 15 minutes. This fixed-position cupping can also be combined with “sliding” cupping in which the cups are moved to other points along different energy channels or meridians during a treatment session. The movement is facilitated by oil on the skin.

Other Benefits of Cupping

The therapy can be very relaxing, always a good outcome in our busy world. It can also help loosen muscles and relieve pain, improve the flow of blood and lymph, and might also help lessen the appearance of cellulite! It has also been noted that it can help clear stretch marks or scar tissue.

Find a cupping practitioner in your local area