What is Cupping? And why do I use it ALL the time?
Cupping is a healing modality that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It is a Chinese massage or tuina technique that is frequently used during an acupuncture treatment. The mechanism behind cupping involves creating a deep suction effect with the skin and the underlying tissues. Usually, this involves dipping a cotton ball in 90% proof alcohol, lighting the cotton ball on fire and sticking this in the cup to rob the cup of any oxygen. This is then placed immediately on the skin to create the suction. Cups are typically left on the skin for 10 minutes. Placing cups on the skin and removing right away and repeating this is known as ' Flash ' cupping. Applying a lotion or cream base prior to cupping and moving on the skin is known as 'Slide' cupping. The suction and pressure of the cups is excellent to help: -relieve musculoskeletal pain -relieve tension headaches & migraines -improve immune function- flush out cough & colds faster -re...