Cupping
One of the modalities becoming more utilized here in the west is cupping. An enjoyable, relieving, massage-like procedure, cupping can be used for chronic aching backs, shoulder issues, areas of tightness, some acute injuries, coughs, asthma, colds and also can be used preventatively or pure pleasure. I offer 30 minute cupping sessions or include them in the 60 or 90 minute acupuncture treatments when necessary or requested. Every patient absolutely loves being cupped!
Procedure: Treatment time ranges from 5-30 minutes. I use glass cups and a small flame. The flame creates a vacuum inside the cup and the cup is quickly placed on your skin so it creates a suction. The amount of suction will range to your comfort, and can be adjusted easily. The more suction, the more movement in your meridians, fascia and muscles, and also the more purple your skin will be. See the video below for a visual understanding.
Does it hurt?: It is sometimes strong and surprising at first, since it is not a sensation the body is often exposed to. We will adjust to your comfort level; some love it strong, others more gentle. Ultimately you will melt and surrender, much like in a massage.
Aftercare: If you can go home, relax, stay warm and have some warm healthy food (like Pho or soup) and go to bed early, you will get the most out of your treatment. If you can’t, do your best to stay warm and covered in the area we worked and your neck. Do not let yourself get the chills. No shower, bath or hot tub until the next day. Stay away from fried foods. Drink tea and water. Stay WARM!!
You may find you are sore and that is normal. If I we have done yoga or qi-gong together, now is a great time to move through what you remember. Any mild movement, a walk, some gentle sun salutations and big, full belly breaths will be of great benefit to you. Do not work up a large, dripping sweat for 48 hours. The marks on your skin will turn purply-red and then yellowish like a bruise does, and will usually be gone in about 5-7 days.
This video shows how the body heals form cupping and some of the procedure of cupping. It takes place on Wolf Mountain in San Diego, CA, where we used to live. The models are family members 🙂