Cupping is a modality within Chinese Medicine used to move Qi (‘energy’) and Xue (‘blood’). In the treatment, suction is created on the skin by applying cups, usually glass or bamboo cups. The suction is created by inserting a small flame into the cup and quickly applying it to the skin. Other more modern methods include mechanical cupping but at Holo Health we stick to the heated cups method.
A small bit of oil may be applied to the skin to aid this treatment and particularly to aid the cups in gliding over the skin.
There are various styles of cupping depending on what the treatment involves. One method involves retaining the cups on a point for a period of time but this can very according to the client. Other methods involve quickly applying and taking off the cups repeatedly or using the cups to massage various channels and points. The suction can be adopted from gentle to hard using any of these techniques.
The suction usually leaves bruising and marks on the skin therefore it is advisable not to undergo this treatment if you have upcoming plans or events where you would feel uncomfortable having a bruised back for example. Marks generally last about a week.
Cupping is used for a wide variety of treatments including fever, fertility, digestion issues, pain, back issues, stagnation and muscle pain. Cupping should not be performed over skin issues or to the abdomen or lower back when pregnant.
