Cupping

​What is cupping?
Cupping is a traditional therapy dating back to as old as 1500 BC. It has been present in ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, Indian and Korean civilisations.

Cupping involves placing specially designed cups onto the skin to create a vacuum seal. This gentle suction stimulates blood circulation, reduces pain, promotes lymphatic drainage, and helps release toxins and metabolic waste from the body’s tissues.

Suction from cupping draws fluid into the treated area. This suction force expands and breaks open tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under your skin. Your body replenishes the cupped areas with healthier blood flow which supports the body’s natural healing processes.

Benefits of Cupping Therapy
This therapy targets myofascial pain, which often manifests as muscle knots or trigger points. Cupping therapy gently stretches and loosens the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles), allowing the muscles to relax and the trigger points to release. This process helps alleviate myofascial pain and restore normal muscle function.

What to Expect During a Cupping Session
During your session, the therapist will create a vacuum on your skin using cups and a manual pump. The cups look like large, round bulbs with wide mouths. When placed on your skin, the vacuum draws your skin in, starting the therapy. Sessions usually last about five to ten minutes.

What to do After a Cupping Session
Increase your water intake to help flush out toxins released during the session.
You might feel a bit feverish as your body processes the toxins. This is normal.
Fatigue is common after cupping. Rest is essential for recovery. Round red marks may appear on the skin. Cover these areas to protect them from sun.

What to avoid After Cupping Therapy
For at least 4-6 hours post-treatment, avoid:
Caffeine, as it can negate the tension release benefits. Alcohol, as It interferes with the detoxifying effects. Sugar, as it can halt the detox process as your body processes glucose. Meat and Dairy, hormones in these foods can disrupt your body’s balance.
Avoid hot or cold environments that can cause stiffness. Intense Exercise: Opt for light activities like walking or stretching.

Common Side Effects
Most people don’t experience side effects, but some common ones include: Fatigue, headache, body ache and lightheadedness. Symptoms typically resolve within a
​few hours.

In summary
Cupping is a great way to detox your body and feel better. While the process isn’t painful, you might experience some side effects afterward. Be gentle with your body and rest as needed to maximise the therapy’s effectiveness. If you have more questions, ask Stina during your next session.

Stina Wangqvist is an osteopath based in the Northern Rivers, NSW (Lennox Head). If you are interested in finding out more information or would like to book an appointment, please contact the clinic by phone (0409 052 292) or book an appointment on this site.

Sources
1.    National Center for Biotechnology Information
2.    Harvard Health

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