Fire cupping, or cupping, is a traditional Chinese healing modality. Developed by acupuncturists thousands of years ago in China, its use spread to countries around the world. Cupping is usually combined with an acupuncture treatment. However, this therapy can be used on its own to sedate the nervous system, relax muscles, and deeply heal the body by enhancing circulation.
The name, fire cupping, can sound intimidating at first! But relax, fire is never used near the skin. Phew! The “fire” part of the name refers to the way suction is created to place the cups on the body. A cotton ball is lit on fire to create a suction within the cup. The “cupping” part of the name refers to the method of breaking up stress and pain causing stagnation and
congestion present in the body. Once the cups are placed on the skin, they are left to sit for a short period of time or are gently moved across the skin to create a massage effect. This is particularly relaxing as the nervous system can unwind from your busy non-stop life.
Massage therapy is hands-on pressure into the muscles for relaxation while cupping therapy suctions the muscles into the cups using negative pressure. This helps to lift the pressure from tight muscles allowing them to relax and melt right into the treatment table! Healing is stimulated by loosening the muscles, fascia and connective tissue within a single cupping session. This therapy is used to decrease pain by healing muscles and tissues deep within the body. Cupping is an alternative treatment to using painkillers and other
medications.
A host of health benefits arise from cupping as it enhances blood and lymph circulation and relaxes the muscles. As blood flow increases within the vessels and capillaries, more blood moves to the tissues, providing nutrients and oxygen. In addition to providing food to the tissues, the increased circulation helps detoxify the body. Toxins are pulled up from deep within the body and brought up to the surface. By drawing impurities to the surface, toxins are reduced within the body, leaving room for better circulation.
Now that you’re an expert on the benefits of this time-proven therapy and its myriad of health benefits for relaxation and pain relief, it’s time to book your cupping therapy session!
