Cupping is a therapeutic technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction to increase blood flow, promote healing, and relieve muscle tension. The suction, generated either by heat (fire cupping) or a mechanical pump (dry cupping), draws the skin slightly into the cup, stimulating circulation and the body’s natural healing response.
By enhancing blood flow, cupping helps reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tightness. It can also break up fascial adhesions (tight connective tissue) and improve mobility. Additionally, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress relief.
There are several types of cupping:
- Dry cupping, the most common, involves applying suction without breaking the skin.
- Wet cupping (Hijama) uses small incisions to remove a small amount of blood during the suction.
- Fire cupping uses heat to create a vacuum inside the cup.
Benefits of cupping include relief from muscle tension, improved circulation, faster recovery from injuries, relief from respiratory issues like asthma, and reduced stress. It may also support skin health by increasing blood flow to the skin.
Here at Saltwater, we use cupping as a supportive modality to enhance the efficacy of your acupuncture session.
