How Cupping Works

Cupping is the practice of applying glass cups to the body. A flame is used to suck oxygen out of the cups before placing, creating a partial vacuum. This is what keeps the cups in place.

Cups have been used through Chinese medicine history as a way of drawing environmental and pathogenic influences such as cold, heat, wind, static blood and damp from the body. Drawing out these influences frees up areas of congestion and allows the Qi and Blood to move freely again. In this way, cupping can help to restore proper function to the body.

Cupping Marks

Cupping sometimes leaves round marks on the skin that fade gradually over 2-7 days. These marks reflect the nature of the influence that was drawn out of the tissues. For example, dark purple marks indicate deep-seated blood stasis while bright red, speckled marks indicate toxic heat.

Gentle, warm cupping can also be used to encourage Qi and blood flow through weak and lax areas of the body. This gentle cupping rarely produces cupping marks.

Cupping may be a part of your session when it is appropriate for you and your body.