Cupping is a healing modality that has been used for thousands of years in cultures all over the world. It is great for pain both chronic and acute, almost anywhere in the body. It can also be used to treat cellulite.

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According to Chinese Medicine, pain is caused by stagnation of qi and blood. In other words, if things aren't moving, there is pain. Cupping aims to create physical movement within the tissues and therefore reduce pain.

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I offer 30 minute and one hour sessions. They both begin with a simple intake in which we discuss the history of the complaint. Then I do palpation of the area and possibly appropriate neurological exams to rule out functional issues. 

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Then once you are comfortable on the table, I explain the treatment. I begin by taking cotton and affixing it to a pair of hemostats. Then I soak that cotton in alcohol, and light it on fire. I take the cotton and momentarily insert it into a cup before quickly placing it onto the area of pain. The fire removes oxygen from the inside of the cup. This causes negative pressure, causing it to be suctioned onto the skin. The negative pressure within the cup starts a healing cascade in the local area. It creates an inflammatory response, as well as increasing the flow of blood and qi in the local area. 

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In a 30 minute session, the cups are left on for 15-20 minutes, then removed. The treatment is finished.

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In an hour session, after the cups are removed I perform sliding cupping in the area of pain as well as on the surrounding tissues. Sliding cupping is performed by attaching and moving an individual cup across muscle groups with the use of a lubricant; either massage oil or an herbal liniment.

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Typically after the treatment people experience increased range of motion and a reduction in pain. 

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Sometimes additional treatments are needed, but often one is enough.

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Recently this technique has been increasing in popularity; even Olympic athletes and celebrities have been seen sporting cupping marks!