CUPPING

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Cupping involves the use of glass or plastic “cups” that are placed on specific sites on your body. These cups create a vacuum through the use of heat or suction and, thereby, stimulate the flow of blood and qi to the area. Patients generally report that cupping feels like a deep massage. Cupping can loosen adhesions and revitalize connective tissue. The suction usually creates a superficial circular bruise, as a result of stagnated blood and qi moving to the surface. The greater the stagnation of qi and blood, the more obvious the discoloration of the ecchymosis. This is a temporary and normal response that will disappear within a few days, as cupping and gua sha increase cellular turnover via the immune system. Cupping is helpful for:

• Muscle pain. 

• Generalized inflammation in muscle and fascial connective tissue. 

• A productive cough. 

• Immune boosting.