Cupping

Cupping

The ancient art of cupping is a multi-cultural technique, utilized by healers and lay-people for thousands of years.  It is a suction technique using glass or plastic “cups” on the skin and can be used on multiple body sites.

The suction pulls toxin build-up and muscle spasm out of the deeper tissue of the body, towards the surface of the body (skin).  This makes it easier for the body to eliminate these toxins as they pass through the superficial blood supply or capillary (vascular) system.

 It is ideal for the body’s cells to use oxygen and give off carbon dioxide and cell waste.  When the energy is blocked, the cell waste and carbon dioxide get “stuck” and can be referred to also as acid and/or toxin build up.  We feel the blockage as “pain,” tenderness, discomfort…and the list goes on.  An area that has more blockage or pain is a physiologic obstruction in the flow of energy.  The more blockage, the harder it is for the body to remove the obstruction and discomfort.

Muscles and joint pain is a common complaint from toxin build-up.

Cupping ALSO brings fresh new blood into that blocked area, more oxygen and restored energy flow.  The effects can be felt immediately!

The procedure lasts about 10 minutes.

Bruises explained: Michael Phelps receives cupping therapy (NBC Sports)

Common uses for cupping:

  • Muscle Pain

  • Joint Pain

  • Headaches

  • Hives/Urticaria

  • Menstrual pain

  • Post-injury or trauma

  • Boosts immunity

  • Boosts Energy

  • Local area detox

  • When done soon enough, cupping can prevent the common cold from taking hold

Not sure if you can benefit from cupping?

Dr. Lea Kelley can determine when cupping can be of optimal benefit to you and how frequently it can be used. It is not recommended during pregnancy, for those with bleeding disorders, or those with nerve sensory deficit such as diabetic neuropathy. Cannot be used on broken skin, open wounds or directly over skin lesions such as eczema, psoriasis and more.

Use with caution or ask your doctor:

  • Anemia.

  • If you have a pacemaker.

  • Bleeding disorders like hemophilia.

  • Blood clotting problems, like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a history of strokes.

  • Cardiovascular disease.

  • Seizures (epilepsy).