Hot Cupping Therapy

What is Hot Cupping Therapy?

Hot cupping is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that shares the foundations of acupuncture in meridian therapy. Cupping therapy dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures.

During cupping, a substance inside the cup is burned. As the fire goes out, the cup is placed upside down on the patient’s skin. As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum. This causes the skin to rise and redden as blood vessels expand. The cup is generally left in place for five to 10 minutes.

The suction of the cups mobilizes blood flow to promote the healing of a broad range of medical conditions. Cupping therapy can reduce pain and inflammation throughout the body, as well as promote mental and physical relaxation and well-being. It is often described as a “reverse-massage,” since tightness and inflammation is pulled to the surface of your skin, rather than being massage back into your body.

What is a hot cupping therapy appointment like?

In our office, we use glass cups pressurized by burning the oxygen out of the cups. Despite the term “hot cupping” the cups are usually only slightly warm to the touch when they are applied to the body.

While you will be able to feel the areas that are cupped, and may experience a feeling of warmth or tightness, cupping should not be uncomfortable. It is a safe and relaxing treatment for many patients. The treatment does frequently leave temporary red marks on your skin where the cups were placed, that will disappear as any surface swelling goes down and blood is circulated through your body.

Ready to try hot cupping?

Chiropractors at Astra Performance Health practice hot cupping therapy at their Leawood office and are happy discuss the technique with you. If you’re a candidate, we can schedule you an appointment to give cupping a try. We’re looking forward to helping you feel your best. Contact us online or call us at (913) 345-4840. We are currently accepting new patients.