Cupping is the term applied to a technique that uses small glass cups as suction devices that are placed on the skin.
Once the suction has occurred, the cups can be gently moved across the skin (often referred to as “gliding cupping). The suction in the cups causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup.
Cupping is much like the inverse of massage – rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward. Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available and draws stagnant blood and metabolites (such as pain chemicals) to the surface of the body.
For most patients, this is a particularly relaxing and relieving sensation. Once suctioned, the cups are generally left in place for about ten minutes while the patient relaxes.
Cupping can affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing the tissues to release toxins by drawing stagnant blood and metabolites (such as pain chemicals) to the surface of the body. It activates the lymphatic system, clears colon blockages, activates and clears the veins, arteries and capillaries, activates the skin and clear stretch marks.
