What is Chinese Cupping?

Chinese Cupping therapy is the method of using glass or plastic cups to create localised pressure by a vacuum. The Chinese have been doing this since ancient times by using heat or suction inside glass cups. The healing aspect of cupping therapy / treatment is through the release of toxins in your body.  The suction from the cups can penetrate deep into your tissues causing the tissues to release harmful toxins.  It triggers the lymphatic system, clears the blood vessels, and stretches and activates the skin. 

What does this therapy involve?

During a Cupping massage a plastic and/or glass cup is turned upside-down over a specific area. A vacuum created by the lack of oxygen and the cup anchors to the skin and pulls it upward on the inside of the glass. Drawing up the skin is believed to open up the skin’s pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of blood, breaks up obstructions and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body. Depending on the condition being treated, the cups will be left in place for 5-10 minutes. Several cups may be placed on a patient’s body at the same time. Some practitioners will also apply small amounts of medicated oils or herbal oils to the skin just before the cupping procedure, which lets them move the cups up and down particular acupoints or meridians after they have been applied.

How long is a session?

We carry out this therapy / treatment in one hour sessions.  Your first session will involve a full consultation to find out about your main concerns, and to assess your overall past health history. Your practitioner will work out a therapy / treatment plan using this information and tailor the process to your individual needs. Information about any medication/supplements you are taking will be useful to us at this stage, as well as any recent test results. After the consultation, there will be time for a short treatment.

How many sessions will I need?

One Session - However this varies depending on the severity of your symptoms and the nature of your condition, we will take time in your initial consultation to work out a timescale which bests suits your individual needs. However, we do usually see clients around one or two times per week for first four weeks.

Will this therapy hurt?

While cupping is considered relatively safe, it can cause some swelling and discolouration on the skin. This discolouration is usually painless, however in some cases may feel tender and last up to a week slowly fading away.

What do I need to wear?

It is best to wear loose clothing for your therapy / treatment sessions, and we do not recommend that you eat a large meal, drink strong coffee or alcohol just prior to a therapy / treatment.

Some people prefer to wear shorts if they are having cupping on the lower half of their body but this is very much personal preference.

Do I need to bring anything?

Nothing - just bring yourself and we will do the rest!

How will I feel after Chinese Cupping Therapy?

We would expect you to feel very calm and relaxed, you may notice a little amount of swelling and bruising around the treated area - this is completely normal and goes down within a matter of days.