Burnaby Physiotherapy Techniques
Cupping Therapy
Techniques
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping involves the use of silicone, glass, bamboo and plastic cups. In our Burnaby Physiotherapy practice, we use glass cups for our clients. To create the vacuum in the cup, our registered physiotherapists in Burnaby introduce heat (fire) into the cup and then place the cup on the body. Do not worry, there is no risk of burning the skin when cupping is done correctly. The air inside the cup is heated up, not the cup itself! The suction is created by the expansion of air when heated. When the heat source is removed, the air cools, contracts, and a suction is created. The hotter the air generated before, the stronger the suction will be. The amount of suction is controlled by your Physiotherapist. This is dependent on your condition and your tolerance. Cupping can be done statically (placed on the body) or with movement (cupping massage). It is often placed on acupressure points, areas of tension, or in a particular pattern depending on your condition.
Post Treatment You May Have Some Degree of Cupping Marks
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, circles on the skin from cupping represent stagnation of qi flow. The darker the marks, the more stagnation there is in the body. Cupping therapy is used to help relieve the stagnation and improve qi flow.
In physiological terms, Cupping marks are caused by blood capillaries dilating and breaking underneath the skin.
Weaker blood capillaries break with increased suction pressure from the cups.
New blood capillaries are formed to replace them. They are often stronger and more resilient, which may provide improved blood flow to the area.
What Does Cupping Therapy Feel Like?
Those who have tried cupping therapy have described it as pulling on their skin. This sensation can be intensified by an increased level of suction and with the movement of the cups. Many clients enjoy the sensation of cupping and report feeling more relaxed after the session.
Cupping should not be painful. Your Physio in Burnaby will adjust the cupping technique for those who are sensitive to it.
What Conditions Can Benefit?
Our Physiotherapists use Cupping to help relieve tension and pain of:
Shoulder
Neck
Back
IT band