What is Cupping?

Cupping is a type of therapy used in tradition Chinese medicine to stimulate energy flow and promote healing in the body. Special cups are placed on the skin and a vacuum seal is formed between the cup and skin. Most recently this type of therapy gained notoriety when gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps was photographed during the Olympics with numerous purple circular spots on his body. The technique does occasionally cause discoloration that resemble bruises, as seen in the photos of Michael Phelps, but these are temporary and not painful. The practice, is also not new; it has been documented and practiced for thousands of years. It can be used to boost the immune system, for detoxification, to improve digestion, promote relaxation, for pain management, as well as to release tight muscles and fascia. Cups are left on the body anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes depending on the treatment. Oils can also be applied to the skin and the cups are slid along the surface creating a relaxing deep tissue massage.

Book in for a free 15 minute consultation and ask Dr. Nina if cupping is right for you.