​Cupping is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which the therapist puts cups on your skin to create suction. People typically get cupping to increase blood flow, to help with pain and to help with circulation. Cupping can be wonderful too before the onset of a cold. The cups can be made of Glass or Earthenware Silicone. Traditional cupping methods were made from Bamboo which are no longer used in practice. 

Therapist typically put a flammable substance such as alcohol on a cotton ball and set it on fire. They then place the cotton ball within the cup. As the fire goes out, the therapist will put the cup upside down on your skin. As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum. This causes your skin to rise into the cup. You may feel a slight tugging or pull but typically cupping feels relaxing to most people. In our practice we use suction cupping with glass cups and NO flame is used.
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 Cups are left in place anywhere from 3-15 min depending on the ailment and how long the condition has been there. Bruising and redness is normal after the cups are removed and can stay for up to 2 weeks. 

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