Cupping

Cupping is a traditional manual therapy, used by many cultures around the world to reduce pain and improve circulation. Cupping therapy is the application of suction to the body, which induces negative pressure, instead of exerting compressive force on body tissues. Negative pressure created inside the cup allows for the release of soft tissue, lifting it away from underlying structures. Cupping facilitates fascia mobilization, reduces adhesions, breaks up stagnation, increases circulation to deeper tissue layers, and assists lymphatic drainage. Cupping increases synovial fluid secretion to lubricate and release joint stiffness.

Suction causes local dilation of blood vessels, drawing blood into tissue that has been deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Cupping flushes capillary beds, draining the tissue of stagnant blood, metabolic waste and lymph, and allowing “new blood” to resupply the tissue.

Practitioners may use traditional glass or modern cupping devices made of plastic or silicone, stationary or with movement, depending on the technique and targeted tissue.