Classic Fire Cupping
The inverted massage.
Cupping is an ancient therapy where glass cups are suctioned to the skin. This helps to promote blood flow, detox and facilitate healing by bringing "old blood" to the surface of the body where it is more easily cleared.
Cupping works by pulling on muscle and fascia to bring old and stubborn issues to the surface where the body can flush them out via the lymphatic and circulatory systems. This “stagnation” that was previously taking up space and causing pain now leaves a void in the tissues for fresh blood and body fluid to come in, softening and nourishing the area. These same principles are utilized when cupping for detox as well, since the lymphatic drainage system is being put to work.
Cupping is excellent for anyone looking for pain management or assistance with detox and is included in traditional Acupuncture sessions when determined by your practitioner. It is not recommended for those who are on blood thinners, have a clotting disorder, or thin skin.
What to expect with a Cupping treatment
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A full medical history intake and evaluation done during your Traditional Acupuncture visit will help your practitioner to determine if cupping is indicated for you. You will then undress to the level needed for treatment and comfort (plush towels will be provided for draping) and lay on our heated and padded massage table.
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Vegan, unscented massage oil will then be applied with the option for a custom blend of essential oils and the cups will be placed onto the area of concern.
At Courtney Rose Acupuncture, we love to ‘Keep it Classic’ and use traditional methods of fire cupping. A flame will be quickly placed in and out of the cup to create a vacuum so the cup can suction onto the skin; the cup does not heat up so there will not be any burning or heat sensation. We often will slide the cups over the area of concern, this will feel similar to a deep tissue massage with the exception of the tissues being pulled, not pushed.
Once we have achieved our desired result, the cups will be removed and a hot towel is used to clean off any remaining oil with the option for CBD pain relieving cream to be applied.
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For many people ‘Sha’ markings will be pulled up during the treatment. They will look somewhat similar to a bruise but process out of the body very differently since it is ‘old stagnant blood’ that has been pulled up.
These marks are not permanent and can last 1-10 days depending on how dark they are. ‘Sha’ can also be used diagnostically, the darker the mark the more severe the stagnation. With consistent cupping you will notice that the marks will begin to pull up lighter and lighter as the ‘old stagnation’ begins to work its way out.
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Take it easy the rest of the day, drink plenty of water and keep any marks that have been pulled up covered for the rest of the day. It is ok to take to shower that night, just avoid direct exposure to cold and wind.
