Cupping Therapy

Cupping has been used throughout the world for thousands of years. Although it is usually associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has also been traced to the Egyptians & Greeks throughout history and has been used as a medical tool as far back as 1000 BC.

How does it work?

Cupping is a method of relieving local congestion by applying a partial vacuum that is created in a cup either by heat or by suction. In traditional Chinese medicine cupping is a method of applying acupressure by creating a vacuum on the patient’s skin.

The therapy is used for a number of different functions:

• To dispel stagnation—stagnant blood and lymph, thereby improving qi flow
• To treat respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia and bronchitis
• To treat musculoskeletal conditions cupping is also used on the back, neck and shoulders

Cupping can be used on its own or in conjunction with Acupuncture treatments. When used alone it also stimulates the functions of the underlying Acupuncture points therefore is used as an effective alternative to needling. Because of this, cupping can be used to help other treatments such as fertility, headaches, insomnia, stress and migraine.

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