Cupping Therapy

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is an ancient therapy used in many cultures.  The earliest recorded mention of cupping was between 281-341 AD. Cups of bamboo, pottery or animal horns were warmed, then placed on the skin, creating a partial vacuum.  Originally it appears that cupping was used to drain pus from sores, but over time, many more applications were developed.  Today cups are generally made of glass, plastic or silicone and are sanitized before and after use.  The cups are generally 1.5 “- 3 ” in diameter.

There are many forms of cupping for different uses.  Cups can be placed on the skin and left for 5 – 15 minutes.  This type of cupping often leaves the characteristic red circle on the skin that you might have seen on the Olympics.

Another type of cupping involves rubbing therapeutic oil on the skin, then placing a cup on the area.  The oil provides lubrication so that the cup can be moved over a larger area without irritation.  This type is often used for sore muscle areas, or on the back for chest congestion.  There should be no discomfort with any type of cupping.

Flash or Lightning cupping is used in some cases.  The cup is heated and placed on the skin, then removed and quickly heated and placed on a different area.

In my experience, cupping is the single most enjoyable and popular modality for people.  I have never known anyone not to enjoy this type of therapy!