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CUPPING

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Cupping

Cupping is a technique used in many traditional medicines around the world. It is an ancient technique with a rich history, passed down through generations and still widely practiced by both professionals and everyday people. When toxins or waste accumulate in the muscles or joints, the body struggles to eliminate them, often manifesting as discomfort or pain.

This stagnation can be caused by various factors, such as injuries that never fully healed, leading to scar tissue and poor circulation in a specific area, resulting in localized pain. You may notice more intense discoloration during cupping if:

The issue is chronic
There’s a history of recreational or prescription drug use
Your diet includes more animal protein than your body can process
You have a candida or parasite infection
You've been exposed to environmental toxins like black mold
You've experienced a particularly traumatic emotional or physical event

When the liver or kidneys are unable to properly process and eliminate these toxins, they are stored in the body, often within the lymph and muscle.

Cupping's vacuum effect helps release tight muscles, stimulates the peripheral nervous system, and loosens and lifts connective tissues. It breaks up stagnation, improves blood and lymph flow to the skin, muscles, and connective tissues.

By drawing stagnant blood and fluids to the skin’s surface, cupping restores healthy circulation to the affected area. Since the skin is the body’s largest organ and holds about 20% of your blood volume at any given time, it serves as an excellent medium for transporting the stagnation cupping releases. The skin’s network of capillaries efficiently moves the toxins to the liver and kidneys, where they can be processed and eliminated from the body.

Cupping Marks

A common misconception is that the marks left by cupping are bruises, but they are not. Bruising results from impact trauma, which breaks capillaries and causes a rush of fluids to the injured area. In contrast, cupping involves no impact; the marks occur as unwanted toxins are pulled to the skin.

When deeper muscle layers are treated, toxins are drawn up during cupping, causing discoloration on the skin. As treatments accumulate, even if the same area is targeted with the same duration and suction level, less discoloration will appear over time.

How Long Will the Marks Last?

Usually a week but they can last up to three weeks. The more severe or chronic the condition, the deeper the color and the longer the marks may last.

Does Cupping Hurt?

Cupping creates a distinct sensation that’s unlike anything you might have experienced. The suction pulls on the skin and muscles, creating a tight feeling under the cups. In my practice, the cups stay on just long enough to generate color, so the entire process—application and removal—typically lasts no more than 15 minutes.

After Care

Everyone reacts to acupuncture and cupping differently, so it’s important to give your body time to recover after the treatment. Some feel energized, while others may experience fatigue, soreness, or mild headaches. Regardless of your response, here’s what to keep in mind:

Avoid activities like saunas, hot tubs, cold plunges for about 48 hours after your treatment.
Drink plenty of room temperature or warm water: If you received cupping, toxins have been released into your system, staying hydrated helps your body flush them out.
Avoid alcohol and toxic substances for at least 48 hours: Your body is working hard to restore homeostasis and, so give it a break and avoid substances that could add more strain.
Take it easy: Allow time for your body to heal. Avoid strenuous activities and give yourself permission to rest and recuperate.

I specialize in traditional Chinese medicine techniques to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

We specialize in traditional Chinese medicine techniques to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.