Cupping

SERVICES & CONDITIONS

Cupping is a Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment that has been used for thousands of years. Cups are placed on specific points on the skin creating a vacuum. Cupping is like a reverse massage where the cups pull the skin, muscles and tissues upwards to;

• enhance circulation
• reduce pain
• decrease inflammation
• increase blood flow
• relax muscles
• clear heat
• clear common colds/pneumonia or bronchitis

Cupping may be used for:

1. Relieving neck, shoulder and back tension
2. Decreasing coughs and congestion
3. Clearing allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchiness)
4. Reducing red, itchy skin conditions
5. Increasing circulation to warm body, clear inflammation or swelling

At Crossroads, we use cups in various sizes across the opening. Small cups are used along areas like the neck or on the elbow area. Larger cups are used along the back. Stationary cupping is when the cup(s) is left in position on one spot. Moving cupping is when massage oil is applied to the skin before placing cups allowing for easy sliding of cups along the muscles. Skin markings or slight bruises are common after fire cupping but not as common with suction cupping. The markings usually disappear after 2-4 days.

To create the vacuum required in cupping there are 2 main methods;

1. Fire Cupping

• an open flame is used to create low air pressure inside glass cups
• the flame is quickly removed and the cup is placed on the skin
• as the air inside the cup cools, it contracts and draws the skin into the cup

2. Suction Cupping

• a plastic cup is placed on the skin
• a vacuum is created as a mechanical pump is squeezed to pull air out of the cup through a valve at the top of the cup