Five Element Wellness Center
Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine & Massage Therapy located in Weston, FL & Coral Springs, FL
Cupping therapy is an alternative treatment that eases muscle tension, relieves pain, and boosts your body’s natural healing process. Monique Bain, AP, Dipl. Ac., and the team at Five Element Wellness Center in Coral Springs and Weston, Florida, have years of experience performing different cupping techniques, allowing them to customize your therapy to target your unique health concerns. To learn more about the benefits of cupping, call one of the offices or schedule an appointment online.
Cupping Therapy Q & A
What is cupping?
Cupping is a type of therapy that’s performed using a globe-shaped cup made of a variety of possible materials, such as glass, plastic, rubber, or silicone.
After placing the open side of the cup against your skin, your provider creates a vacuum that pulls the skin and superficial muscle up into the cup.
Traditional cupping methods typically create the vacuum by placing a burning substance in the cup and then putting the cup on your skin just as the flame goes out.
A vacuum develops as the air inside the cup cools down. Modern cups have a built-in pump that creates the vacuum by pulling air out of the cup.
Are there different methods of cupping?
Yes, there are several techniques your provider may use during cupping. They may simply place several cups on your skin and leave them in place for a short time.
Your provider can place a small amount of medicated oil or herbal oil on your skin before applying one or two cups. Then the oil allows them to easily move the cup along meridians or to use the cups to massage a larger area of skin.
During a technique called wet cupping, your provider gently punctures the skin before placing the cup over the area. The puncture allows more toxins to escape. Wet cupping may also help your body eliminate heavy metals.
What health benefits will I receive from cupping?
Cupping increases blood flow and lymph circulation in the targeted area. The boost in circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to cells for healing and also allows more toxins and cellular wastes to leave through the lymph fluids.
Your Five Element Wellness Center provider may use cupping to treat problems such as:
- Lower back pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Knee pain
- Arthritis
- Hypertension
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Congestion and bronchitis
- Gastrointestinal disorders
Some providers use cupping to trigger acupuncture points, using suction from the cup to improve the flow of energy.
What should I expect during cupping?
Cupping is most often performed on fleshy areas of your body, such as your back, stomach, arms, and legs.
The providers at Five Element Wellness Center typically use multiple cups at the same time, leaving them on your skin for 5-10 minutes. Cupping seldom causes side effects except for one: It’s well-known for causing bruising.
If you’re ready to explore how cupping can help you, call Five Element Wellness Center or book an appointment online.