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Cupping therapy
What is Cupping Therapy?
-Cupping therapy is the practice of applying vacuum cups to the surface of the skin to reduce pain and inflammation and increase blood flow . It is used in conjunction with a deep tissue massage and allows the therapist to move through muscle to deeper layers. (http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/cupping-therapy). It was used in China and Egypt in 1500-1000BC. There are 2 primary types: wet cupping and dry cupping. In wet cupping, an acupuncturist makes small cuts then applies the cup. Dry cupping can be done over a lubricant (coconut oil or massage lotion) or directly on skin. I perform dry cupping with plastic vacuum cups and a hand pump. Fire cupping is a method in which the cup is heated then forms a vacuum as it cools.
Am I going to have marks?
-You might. They last a couple days then fade away. But every body is different and marks that last a couple days on me may last a different amount of time on you.
Does it hurt?
-NO! If you're hurting, tell me so I can reduce the vacuum pressure.
Below is an example of stationary cupping on me.