Cupping
Cupping is the term applied to a technique that uses small glass, silicone, or plastic cups as suction devices that are placed on the skin to disperse and break up stagnation and congestion by drawing congested blood, energy, or toxins to the surface.
Suction can be created by placing an inverted cup over a small flame to remove the oxygen, therefore creating suction when the cup is placed on the skin. Flames are never used near the skin and are not lit throughout the process of cupping, but rather are a means to create the heat that causes the suction within the small cups. With the silicone and plastic cups, devices are used to manually suck out the air.
Once the suction has occurred, the cups can be gently moved across the skin or remain stationary. Medical massage oils are sometimes applied to improve movement of the glass cups along the skin. The suction in the cups causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. Cupping is much like the inverse of massage – rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward. For most patients, this is a particularly relaxing and relieving sensation.
The side effects of cupping are fairly mild. Bruising should be expected, but skin should return to looking normal within 10 days or less.
What about those marks?
If you have heard of cupping im sure you have seen those dark circular marks! Cupping marks can be a wide range of colors from pink to red to purple. We use the color diagnostically to further your treatment plan.
Pink marks mean there is a lack of circulation to the area and part of your treatment goals will be bringing blood flow to the area so the muscles are properly nourished!
Bright red indicates internal heat — especially when we see prickles!
Moderate red indicates healthy blood flow.
Purple shows signs of stagnation. We can think of stagnation as improper blood flow/circulation which leads to the collection of “older” blood. This collection prevents fresh blood from reaching those muscle and leads to pain!
Cupping helps bring stagnant blood to the surface to help your body bring in the fresh, healthy blood to keep you feeling your best. For those with lack of blood flow, cupping helps to encourage circulation so your muscles and skin are getting the nourishment they need!
These marks can last for a few days to up to a week. They are not painful and honestly look pretty cool :)
