What is Cupping?
Cupping (ba guan fad) has been a part of Chinese Medicine for over 2,500 years. It is an ancient Chinese therapy that uses a partial vacuum to intentionally create therapeutic petechiae (tiny red, flat spots) and ecchymosis (bruising) in the dermis.
Here at Colorado Acupuncture and Wellness, the use of smooth glass cups are heated using a cotton ball soaked in alcohol, lit, then placed inside the cup creating a negative pressure on the skin, aka, a suction. This draws your skin, fascia, and superficial muscle layer up into the cup itself. The cups are left in place for a period of time, and are slid across the skin (with the assistance of oil). Cupping does not hurt. It feels like an inverse massage. Discoloration and bruising of the skin is normal and should be expected.. These marks usually fade away within a few days to a couple of weeks. The end result is a greater sense of health and well-being. Cupping is used as a standalone session to address specific concerns, or as a facial rejuvenation service.
Is Cupping Safe?
When performed properly in a clean environment by a trained health professional, cupping is a safe and effective treatment; but, it is not for everyone. Like acupuncture, cupping treatments are unique to each individual and their current needs. Cupping should not be used on people who bleed easily, have active skin lesions, skin ulcers, swelling, trauma, inflammation, infection, or burns (including sunburn). Caution is taken if patients are currently taking anti-coagulant medications or if pregnant. Cupping should not be applied 48 hours before or 24 hours after chemotherapy treatment.
What can cupping help with?
Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy that relieves aches and pains, improves blood flow, helps eliminate toxins, reduces stagnation, and also helps with respiratory and digestive issues. It loosens and lifts the connective tissues, causing the tissues to release toxins and activate the lymphatic system. This increases blood, Qi and lymph circulation, which in turn removes blockages (stagnation) and toxins, helping relieve tension, aches and pain, as well as improving the immune system.
Studies have shown that cupping helps with headache, low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, psychiatric disorders, systemic infection, skin disorders, varicose veins and scars, it calms the nervous system which relieves stress and anxiety, promotes healthy digestion and metabolism, improves range of motion and flexibility, as well as helps clear respiratory congestion and asthma, and much more.
Cupping for Facial Rejuvenation
Cupping can also be used as part of a facial rejuvenation plan. As an anti-aging beauty technique, cupping of the face lightly aggravates the skin to stimulate collagen production, aiding in skin rejuvenation, without changing the appearance of skin. It also helps to soften wrinkles and fine lines, reduces puffiness, improves skin tone, relaxes muscle tension in the face, head and neck, aids in lymphatic drainage and detoxification, all with no downtime.
Treatment Frequency
There’s no one-size-fits-all cupping routine. The only rule, is that the cupping marks should be faded or disappeared before the treatment can be repeated. Treatments are recommended bi-weekly, or even weekly, to enhance circulation and increase the body’s healing responses, or until the condition which you were seeking treatment for is resolved. Cupping can be used alongside acupuncture in a treatment plan or as a stand alone therapy. The exception is facial cupping, which can be done up to three days a week, because the therapeutic results do not leave marks.
What is fire cupping?
Fire cupping is a traditional therapy that involves placing glass cups on the skin using heat to create suction. This promotes circulation, relieves muscle tension, and supports overall wellness.
How does fire cupping work?
A practitioner briefly heats the inside of a glass cup with a flame to create a vacuum, then quickly places it on the skin. The suction draws blood to the area, promoting healing and relaxation.
What are the benefits of fire cupping?
Fire cupping may help with:
- Muscle tension and pain relief
- Improved circulation
- Detoxification
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Faster recovery from injuries
Is fire cupping the same as dry cupping?
Yes, fire cupping is a type of dry cupping, meaning no blood is drawn. Wet cupping, on the other hand, involves small incisions to release blood. Only dry cupping is performed here at Colorado Acupuncture and Wellness.
Does fire cupping hurt?
Most people find it relaxing. You may feel a pulling or tight sensation but not pain. If it’s uncomfortable, your practitioner can adjust the suction.
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effect is temporary bruising or circular marks, which fade within a few days to a week. Some people experience mild soreness or redness in the treated area.
Can fire cupping cause burns?
When performed by a trained practitioner, fire cupping is safe and does not cause burns. The flame never touches your skin—it’s only used to create suction in the cups.
Who should avoid fire cupping?
Fire cupping is not recommended for people who:
- Have thin or fragile skin
- Have bleeding disorders or take blood thinners
- Are pregnant (on the abdomen or lower back)
- Have high fever or skin infections in the treatment area
How should I prepare for a fire cupping treatment?
In order to have the best experience with cupping, please observe the following:
- Stay hydrated before and after your appointment
- Eat a light meal beforehand (but avoid heavy or greasy foods)
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Let us know about any medical conditions or sensitivities
What should I do after cupping?
In order to have the best experience with cupping, please observe the following:
- Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins
- Avoid cold showers or direct exposure to cold air or wind for 24 hours
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, steam room and public pools for 24 hours
- Take it easy—no strenuous exercise
How long do the marks last?
Cupping marks typically fade within a few days to a week, depending on your circulation and how deep the suction was. They don’t hurt and are simply an indication of increased blood flow and healing.
How often should I get fire cupping?
That depends on your needs! Some clients book weekly sessions to help with chronic pain or stress, while others come once a month for maintenance. We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your body and lifestyle.
