CUPPING AT A GLANCE

Cupping therapy or cupping massage encourages blood flow to very specific areas of your body. This increase, and in some cases decrease of blood supply, promote healing within your body and allow balance to return.
Acupoint Family Wellness Cupping

A BRIEF HISTORY

It is thought that that we now call cupping therapy began on farms. Cattle farmers used hollowed out cattle horns to draw out pus and other topical illnesses from their stock. Hollowed out cattle horns were applied to the infected area, flames were held on the opposite end of the horn to create a suction to draw out infection.  
Jump to just a few hundred years ago human physicians began using the same technique on human clients and found healing with various ailments and diseases. Techniques and methods have changed very little since physicians began using cupping therapy on their clients.  

HOW CUPPING WORKS

Cupping therapy uses a strong suction or vacuum to encourage an increase in blood supply to areas of the body that correlate with certain ailments. A glass cup is placed on your skin and heat is applied to the opposite end. This creates a suction that draws your skin up into the cup. Blood rushes into this area. This is the key. This new blood has rich nutrients essential for healing. 
As a therapy both hyperemia (increase in blood) and hemostasis (decrease in blood) are relied upon for healing. Consider when you ice a sprained ankle to help prevent swelling. You are creating a hemostasis environment to encourage healing around your ankle. But you apply a heat pack to your sore back creating hyperemia, bringing a fresh, nutrient rich blood supply to encourage relaxation and healing to your sore muscles. 

What to Expect During Your Visit

After your initial consultation and discussion of what you are hoping to receive from your cupping therapy your practitioner will start your session by applying cups, made of glass or plastic, to your skin. One may be used and a technique called Walking performed. Cup walking is when a cup, once placed and suction adequate is gently pulled over your skin in a gliding movement. Multiple cups may be used simultaneously and on various spots on your back and shoulders and left stationary.

Does Cupping Hurt?

Cupping therapy does not hurt. You may feel a gentle suction of the cup drawing up your skin. A sensation of a deep tissue massage may be felt, especially if cup walking is performed. Bruises are often left on your skin but will fade, just as a typical bruise would.   

Common reasons to visit an Cupping –

✓ General pain
✓ Localized inflammation
✓ Increased blood flow
✓ Relaxation
At Acupoint we strive to give our clients in the Camas, Vancouver, and Washougal areas a relaxing and stress-free visit. Do not hesitate to call with any questions concerning our services. Contact us at 360-836-0173.
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Acupoint Family Wellness Cupping Supplies
Acupoint Family Wellness Cupping Process
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