Fire Cupping
Cupping uses fire placed into a glass cup for a moment, consuming the oxygen inside. Once the fire is removed, the cup is quickly placed on the body creating a vacuum effect. This vacuum sucks up the skin and the most superficial layer of muscle up, pulling it away from the deeper muscles. This acts as a deep tissue massage that involves pulling the tissue instead of pushing on it. It can help boost blood circulation by releasing stagnant blood in the designated area.
The cups are left on for around 10 minutes each, allowing yourself to relax and slowly spread the tissues away from each other. After the cup is removed, it leaves a bruise in the shape of the cup. The darker the bruise is, the more stagnant the blood was in that area. This notifies us both where the problem areas are most prominent.
Energetically, this can also help promote the circulation in energy along the meridian lines. The Meridians connect between the major organs and limbs of the body. Energy, or chi, continuously follows these lines, improving your body's natural healing process. At times, the chi could be blocked, leaving you feeling tired, fatigued, or sick. The cups can help unblock the stagnant chi allowing it to freely flow throughout the body once again.
Benefits of Fire Cupping
This ancient modality helps with muscle tension, blood circulation, and energy balance. It provides a unique sensation has the skin is pulled into the cup that no other technique can provide. It can be relaxing for some, and intense to others, but still a quick way for your body to feel balanced.
Fire is used during this session, but only to light an alcohol-soaked cotton ball momentarily as the cups are being placed. The cups aren't hot themselves, so very little heat is actually felt.
Bruising will occur and can last between 4-7 days. I don't recommend cupping for anyone with an open would, an active skin disease/infection, fragile skin, thick visible veins, or anyone on blood thinners.
