What is Cupping Therapy?

     A Chinese technique used for over 5,000 years similar to acupuncture, but without the use of needles. It is a method of detoxificaion for smokers, cold and flu, etc. and designed to cleanse the body of its impurities by placing glass cups (suctioned) along the body's meridians.

Chinese Cupping helps soften long standing muscle tightness and adhesions. Cupping helps loosen tight muscles where other massage techniques or even myofascial release have not been enough. This method can help with treatment of chronic injuries, which respond to treatment, but come back.

When used to treat the neck and shoulders or lower back,  "doing gentle exercises whilst the cups are help to release muscle tightness.". Chinese Cupping or spooning can also bring blood back into an area which has become dry or stagnant, such as occurs with tennis elbow. If bruising occurs (as above) this is usually a good sign that the treatment will be effective.