What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is a form of traditional Chinese and Asian medicine that involves creating local suction on the skin using glass or plastic cups. Proponents claim the suction mobilizes a patient’s blood flow to facilitate the natural healing of the body.

When combined with massage therapy, this ancient art steps into the modern-day and accompanies the advancements in today’s treatments. This technique provides a unique approach to leveraging the fascia (or connective tissue) and body fluids. Cupping can affect deep tissues, clear fascial restrictions, and increase range of motion. The suction created will gently draw the skin upward by creating a vacuum over the target area of the skin. During a fixed treatment, the cups stay in place for 3 to 15 minutes.

Cupping has been around for thousands of years for a reason. The use of suction can help the body reduce inflammation, relieve muscle tension and tightness, and help anyone with pain or stiffness.