Cupping
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a therapeutic treatment that has been used for centuries in China. Prior to using glass cups, cattle horns and bamboo cups were used. However, due to improved modern hygiene standards, glass and plastic cups that can be safely and thoroughly sterilised are most commonly used for cupping treatments. These can be employed using fire or suction pumps that create a vacuum which enables the cups to suction against the skin. The intensity of the suction will directly correlate to the strength of the treatment and the patient's current state of health.
What is the purpose of cupping?
The purpose of cupping is to open the body's exterior while drawing pathogens to the surface where they can be more easily expelled. Cupping can be used to help;
- expel pathogens such as the common cold and flu
- relieve pain and stagnation
- improve digestion
- regulate menstruation as well as providing pain relief
What is the mark that's left on my skin?
Cupping leaves a bruise-like mark behind that ranges in colour from light red to dark purple, depending upon the level of stagnation present in the body. The colour provides your practitioner with further information about your diagnosis in terms of Chinese Medicine.
Your practitioner will discuss if you need cupping and how it will be applied. Please ensure that the highest level of hygiene as well as health and safety standards are always followed.