Cupping is a method of applying acupressure by creating a vacuum next to the patient's skin.  It involves placing glass, plastic, or bamboo cups on the skin, creating a vacuum.  The vacuum is created by air (heated by fire) in a glass cup or by a pump using plastic cups placed flush against the patient's skin.  This vacuum pulls up on the skin, stimulating the acupressure effect, which relieves stagnation in the body.  This method has been adapted and duplicated by modern lymphatic drainage machines.

By creating suction and negative pressure, cupping is used to: drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue, bring blood flow to stagnant skin and muscles and stimulate the peripheral nervous system.   It is useful for tight muscles in the neck, shoulder, and back; and can therefore be used to assist the body in healing injuries to those areas.  On a deeper therapeutic level, cupping is very beneficial for many conditions such as colds, bronchitis, asthma, high blood pressure, anxiety, fatigue, chronic headache, fibromyalgia and neuralgia. 

Contracted, congested muscle tissue will soften quickly with only a few minutes of massage cupping.  The increased local blood supply to the muscles and skin will bring nourishment and allow for toxins to be carried away via the veins. The sensation is truly indescribable! Clients often describe a deep warmth, and a tingling sensation long after the treatment has ended.

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