12. Cupping

Cupping is a fantastic and safe technique to use on your body to relieve trigger points, relax muscles and provide physical comfort. Cupping uses suction to provide decompression which also stimulates blood flow and circulation facilitating healing and recovery. 

Cupping is a relatively easy tool to use on yourself or another. Although placing cups efficiently on your own back can be challenging and you may need help.

Cupping Instructions:

1. Procure a cupping set. 
2. Determine the area of your body that most needs cupping.
   • You may already know a tight muscle or trigger point you want to release or you can use your testing technique to determine where your body most optimally needs this sensation. 
3. You may need a partner’s help depending on where you need the cups.
4. Apply neutral lotion or neutral oil to the body region to help with the suction. 
   • Optional to use essential oils. Use your testing technique as desired.  
5. Apply the appropriate sized cup to the body and start with gentle suction.
6. You may keep the cups stationary or move them around using lotion or oil. Use your testing technique to determine the optimal approach for you or just intuitively play around with what feels good. 
   • Option 1: Leave the cups on for ~3-20 minutes or more if in one place. Then remove the cups. *Cupping results can cause petechia, which are small red or purple dots on the skin. Petechia is caused by broken blood vessels and is a common side effect of cupping therapy. These dots are harmless and will fade within a few days.
     • Good for: Trigger points, muscle tension, relaxation, pain relief.
   • Option 2: Use light suction and stroke in the appropriate direction (usually towards your shoulders or inner thighs) to support lymph drainage.
     • Perform ~ 3-5 minutes over one place, then move to a new area. 
     • Good for: swelling, circulation, lymph flow, relaxation.

Perform cupping 1-2x/week, or as needed or desired. *Unless otherwise directed

• Optionally, use your testing technique to determine your optimal method of cupping, frequency and duration to perform.