What is fire cupping?
Fire cupping is an ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine that is like deep tissue massage. It involves heating up glass cups with a flame before strategically placing them on the body. The cups are left in place for 3-5 minutes or gently moved over the affected area, using a massage oil.
Is cupping painful?
Cupping is not usually painful. It is like the inverse of massage – rather than applying pressure to muscles, a vacuum gently pulls skin and superficial layers away offering a relaxing and relieving sensation to clients.
Are there side effects from cupping?
Side effects are usually mild. Bruising is common but should fade within 10 days. Other potential side effects that are extremely rare include, mild discomfort, skin infection or burns.
For what is fire cupping used?
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) we believe that pain and disease results from stagnation or blockage of energy (Qi) and blood in body or mind. Like acupuncture, the traditional Chinese method of cupping is used over specific points. These act on organ, nervous, muscular, and circulatory systems to break blockages, remove toxins and restore the body’s natural flow of energy.
Conditions treated include:
- Pain – back, neck, shoulder, menstrual, migraines
- Muscle spasm, deep scar tissue, swelling
- Digestion
- Women’s Health
- Immunity
- Pregnancy
- High blood pressure
- Mental/Emotional health
- Skin Disorders
- Sports Health – Professional athletes have become known for using the practice to soothe muscle pain and aid recovery after intense periods of training or before competitions.
