Cupping
Cupping
Cupping sets warm glass or silicone cups on the back, shoulders or legs. The cups pull gently on the skin and sit for a few minutes, or glide with a little oil. It is an add-on to an acupuncture session, and you can say no to it.
Who usually comes for it
People who ask for it, usually after heavy training or a day of lifting, or who like a firm sensation across a larger area.
Your session
What a session is like, in order
- 01
Step 1: We agree on it first
Your acupuncturist explains what cupping is and asks if you want it.
- 02
Step 2: The cups go on
Usually on the back or shoulders. You feel a pull, but not a sharp one.
- 03
Step 3: They stay a few minutes
Or they glide, with a little oil. You can ask to stop at any time.
- 04
Step 4: The cups come off
We wipe the area and talk about what to expect for the next day or two.
Before you come
Tell us first
Say any of these when you book or at the start of your session. None of them means you cannot come.
Pregnancy
Some points and techniques are avoided in pregnancy. Tell us if you are or might be pregnant.
Blood thinners
Medicines that thin the blood, and supplements like fish oil, can change how we plan a session.
A pacemaker or implant
Some implanted devices rule out electroacupuncture. Tell us what you have.
Lymph node removal
If you have had lymph nodes removed, we avoid needles on that side.
A bleeding disorder
Tell us before your first visit so your acupuncturist can plan around it.
Needle fear
Many people feel this way. We go slowly, show you the needle first and stop whenever you ask.
Plain answers
What you may feel afterward, and what this does not do
Faint round marks are common where the cups sat. They fade in a few days to a week. You may feel a little sore or tired. Keep the area covered from sun and cold for the rest of the day.
How many sessions people plan for
Most people try it a time or two and decide whether it is for them. There is no set number.
What it does not do, and when to see a doctor instead
Cupping does not replace medical care. It does not suit everyone: skin that is broken, sunburned or inflamed is left alone. If something has changed suddenly, or a sore spot is getting worse, see your doctor first. In an emergency, call 911.
Book a session
Tell us what you are training for, and we find a time that fits.