Cupping therapy is an ancient technique developed by Chinese and Greek healers thousands of years ago. It’s a treatment in which 5 to 10 glass cups adhere to the skin over areas of the body experiencing pain or on acupuncture points.
Dr. Rusnak uses the classic “ fire cupping ” or moxibustion technique in which she warms each glass cup by momentarily burning moxa inside the cup to create a vacuum effect on the surface of the body. The cups are applied on the back, neck, and shoulders.
The suction typically lasts between 5 to 15 minutes. It’s just enough time for the capillaries to rupture and draw toxins to the surface of the skin where they can be released. The therapy relieves stagnation in the blood and Qi (“chee”), the Chinese word for lifeforce Energy.
At AcuMedGroup, we pair cupping with acupuncture and Tui Na massage, which work together to relieve pain and ease scar tissue deep within muscles and connective tissue. Cupping is also commonly used in Asia and the Middle East for respiratory ailments.
Cupping got Olympic moment during the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro when Gold Medalist Ryan Phelps and several other swimmers were seen with the tell-tale purple circles on their Backs.
You might experience slight discomfort during the treatment and you’ll definitely have temporary bruising where the cups are applied. But the momentary side effects are worth the benefits of cupping therapy.
