Fixed Cupping uses multiple plastic or glass cups are placed on a painful area (trigger points) or acupuncture points (using a suction pump) and are retained for 5 to 15 minutes. This is the traditional use of cupping and it benefits include, but are not limited to: expelling pathogens, easing pain, improving/easing respiratory issues (very effective) such as asthma and bronchitis, calming the mind for anxiety, and relieving menstrual pain. Other types of cupping include fire cupping, wet cupping, bamboo cupping, and needle cupping.
A therapy in Chinese medicine used after acupuncture and before gua sha or massage in which (traditionally, heated glass cups (also known as Fire Cupping) are applied to the skin along the meridians of the body for 5-15 minutes, creating suction as a way of stimulating the flow of energy (Qi). Modern cupping also utilizes plastic cups, bamboo cups and silicone cups. Types of cupping include fire cupping, wet cupping, dry cupping, needle cupping, and myofascial cupping.
Cupping Functions:
Moves Blood & Qi and breaks up obstructions
Detoxifies
Relieves Acute or Chronic Pain
Expels External Pathogens
Releases fascia, helps lymphatic drainage, and improves circulation.
Indications
Cupping therapy can ease (and often remedy) many conditions including: Headaches, muscle tension and stiffness, arthritis, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, and dysmenorrhea. Common cold, asthma, bronchitis, and allergies. Insomnia, stress and long standing emotional trauma.
Precautions:
Cupping is NOT recommended on areas of sensitive skin, ulcerated or broken skin, on the lumbar and abdominal region of pregnant women, or on people with excess hair (especially moving/myofascial/fire cupping). Cupping therapy often results in bruises (which will generally dissipate within 3 to 10 days). Fatigue and aching are common temporary side effects.