In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) cupping is a method of using cups to create a vacuum on the patient’s skin. Treatment is aimed to dispel stagnation of Qi, blood and lymph, thus promote healing. Through heat (burning an alcohol swab) or suction (hand pump or silicone cups), the skin is gently drawn upwards by creating a vacuum in a cup over the target area of the skin. The cup stays in place for five to fifteen minutes.
In clinic, cupping is commonly used to help treat muscular pain, scar tissues and respiratory conditions such as the common cold.
Depending on the treatment and person, it is common to have redness and possibly bruising. If cups are stationary on the skin, then a ring / circle mark may be left. If cups are used with a sliding technique using oil, then the redness may follow the muscle being treated. This discolouration may last 5 min to a couple of days depending on the treatment. Prior to any cupping treatment, Nicole will discuss the treatment and expectations.