What the Cup?

Cupping therapy is an ancient technique developed by Chinese and Greek healers

thousands of years ago. It’s a treatment in which 5 to 10 glass cups adhere to the skin

over areas of the body experiencing pain or on acupuncture points.

Dr. Rusnak uses the classic “ fire cupping ” or moxibustion technique in which she warms

each glass cup by momentarily burning moxa inside the cup to create a vacuum effect on

the surface of the body. The cups are applied on the back, neck, and shoulders.

The suction typically lasts between 5 to 15 minutes. It’s just enough time for the capillaries

to rupture and draw toxins to the surface of the skin where they can be released. The

therapy relieves stagnation in the blood and Qi (“chee”), the Chinese word for lifeforce

Energy.

At AcuMedGroup, we pair cupping with acupuncture and Tui Na massage, which work

together to relieve pain and ease scar tissue deep within muscles and connective tissue.

Cupping is also commonly used in Asia and the Middle East for respiratory ailments.

Cupping got Olympic moment during the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro when Gold Medalist

Ryan Phelps and several other swimmers were seen with the tell-tale purple circles on their

Backs.

You might experience slight discomfort during the treatment and you’ll definitely have

temporary bruising where the cups are applied. But the momentary side effects are worth

the benefits of cupping therapy.