Cupping Therapy
Cupping is one of the branches of TCM. It involves using suction cups over specific points on the skin surface and applying suction for short periods of time. It is designed to disrupt the stagnation or congestion created by the TCM concepts of blood and energy and release toxins.
It can be thought of as an inverse form of massage, where sucking out rather than pushing in occurs. Various types of cupping exist, e.g. dry, oil and wet cupping. Wet cupping is favored in cultures and traditions outside of TCM. One such method of wet cupping we perform is known as Hijama.
At our practice, an initial assessment appointment will be required which will include the 8 principles and 5 element theory assessment. Dietary, exercise and lifestyle recommendations may also be given and a cupping treatment plan created including preparation instructions. The cupping treatments will occur at separate appointments. For general preventative health using Hijama, an annual treatment may be sufficient. For specific conditions, about 3 monthly treatments may be required.