(03) 9386 4780
Shop 2, 146 Bell Street, Coburg VIC 3058
Cupping is an ancient technique originating from Chinese cultures, roughly 3000 yrs ago. It was widely used throughout Asia and Europe for many centuries.
At Moreland Osteopathy we have made it readily available to you for your musculoskeletal complaints. As Osteopaths, cupping assists our therapy as we have a vast knowledge of the skeletal system and trigger points.
By applying the cups at certain points on the body it will help to release off muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and other structures. The suction generated by cupping promotes blood circulation to the areas that it is applied. This may help to facilitate the healing process.
Other benefits of cupping include: Stretching the underlying skin and fascia; this can assist in the release of tight fascia and trigger points. Other effects are to oxygenate the structures being targeted and take away toxins.
Cupping is also known to help activate the lymphatic system, and is good for deep tissue repair.
At Moreland Osteopathy, we have a cupping pump set as well as traditional cupping sets depending on your needs.
For best results we recommend that cupping therapy is used in conjunction with Osteopathy.
Cupping FAQ
What is cupping?
Cupping is an ancient therapeutic technique whereby suction is created over an area of the body, traditionally by using fire and specially prepared cups.
Cups are applied to the skin in order to draw and hold the skin, fascia and other superficial muscles inside the cup. This is achieved with an open flame to draw the oxygen out of the cup. The vacuum created within the cup will then be placed over trigger points, to release tightness in the muscle and other surrounding structures.
Please note that the flame will NOT be used on you directly and it is merely a device to absorb the oxygen from the cup.
How can cupping help my pain?
By applying the cups at certain points in the body, it may help to release off various structures being targeted such as muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
The suction generated by cupping promotes blood circulation to the areas that it is applied. This may help facilitate healing process. It also stretches the underlying skin and fascia; this can assist in the release of tight fascia and trigger points. Other effects of cupping are to oxygenate the structures being targeted and take away toxins.
Cupping is also known to help activate the lymphatic system, and is good for deep tissue repair.
The cupping process
Glass cups will be used by your practitioner. There are different methods of cupping, your practitioner may choose a particular method or a combination.
The techniques that are used at Moreland Osteopathy are:
- Stationary cupping – This involves leaving the cup on one point, such as an acupuncture point or trigger point for approximately 5-10 minutes. Reddening of the skin will occur during this time.
- Push or slide cupping – This technique requires the application of massage oil to the area requiring treatment and the use of mild suction. Cups will be dragged along the body to release off the tissues.
- Repeated or flash cupping – Quick method of repeated cupping over the same area to warm the underlying structures. Reddening will occur at this time.
How will I feel during and after the session?
Although cupping sounds scary it can be quite pleasant to receive as a patient. Your practitioner will talk you through everything that is happening so that there are no surprises. Everyone responds differently to cupping therapy; you may feel tired and drowsy after the session or you may feel great! Post muscle soreness can last up to 2 days, this is normal.
Are there any side effects?
Temporary skin colour changes that look like bruises. Cupping can often leave the skin that has been cupped with a dark red/purple circles. These can last anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks and will disappear with time.