What You Need to Learn About Fire Cupping Before Trying It

There are many reasons why people seek out cupping therapy. Some people simply find it relaxing or like how it feels.  Others are curious because they’ve seen the cupping marks on their favorite athletes.  Most often, though, they are seeking relief from chronic muscle tension or pain.

Cupping might be all the rage at your local Crossfit gym right now, but it’s been around for a long, long time.  It has been used by many cultures, including ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese.  In fact, one of the earliest written accounts comes from Egypt over 3,500 years ago!

So what is fire cupping?  Fire cupping is a type of manual therapy that involves using a small flame to warm the air inside of a specially-made glass cup.  As the air warms, it expands.  Next, the therapist places the warmmed cup on your skin.  As it cools, the air inside shrinks, creating a miniature vacuum.  This vacuum lifts the layers of your tissue away from one another.  It helps skin, muscle layers, nerves, tendons and fascia slide past one another. Think of it as a “reverse-action massage.”  Instead of applying pressure to the body, cupping uses suction to lift and move your tissue.

What Should You Expect

Before the fire cupping session begins, the practitioner will clean the area of the skin; then, they will heat the cups using a flame and quickly put them on the skin. The suction the cups create will cause them to stick to your skin.

The cups will remain on the skin for about 5-10 minutes. You  will feel a pulling sensation from the suction. You may also feel a sense of deep stretch or pressure.  Your practitioner may also slide the cups along your muscle to create an effect similar to a massage.

After the session, you may see circular marks on your skin; these are not painful and disappear within a few days.  If you follow any sports, you may be familiar with these circular cupping marks on professional athletes, especially in swimming, basketball, or martial arts.

This safe and effective therapy can help relieve pain and improve mobility—our qualified practitioners ensure a positive and safe experience.

Why You Should Try It

While cupping has been practiced for millenia, it has only recently drawn scientific attention. That said, the few studies that have been published demonstrate some potential benefits. One study found that cupping effectively reduced pain in people with chronic neck and shoulder pain. Another study found that cupping may help treat cellulite.

If you are considering trying this therapy, speak to our qualified practitioners to ensure it is the right treatment for you.

To try fire cupping, you should consult Orthopedic & Sports Acupuncture.  So, book a session today!