Services
Cupping
Cupping sets warm glass cups on the back, shoulders or legs. The suction lifts the skin and the muscle under it a little, and the cups stay for a few minutes.
People come in with tight shoulders and backs, often after weeks of desk work or lifting. Many have had cupping before and like it with acupuncture or on its own, and it is a way to begin if needles worry you.
A visit, in order
Round pink or purple marks are common afterward. They usually fade within a few days to a week.
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Step 1: We talk
Your acupuncturist asks about your skin, your health and any marks you would rather avoid.
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Step 2: You get comfortable
You lie face down, dressed or draped, with the area for the cups uncovered.
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Step 3: The cups go on
Cups stay in place for a few minutes. You feel a pulling. Tell us right away if it is too strong, and we ease it.
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Step 4: The cups come off
We lift each cup off, check the skin and let you rest. You go home with notes on how to look after the area.
Tell us first
Say these before we begin
Say any of these when you book, and again in the room.
Pregnancy
If you are or might be pregnant, some areas are not cupped and your acupuncturist explains why.
Blood thinners or bleeding
Marks and bruises are more likely, and we may use lighter suction or skip cupping.
Sensitive or broken skin
We do not cup over a rash, a cut, a sunburn or a sore.
Lymph nodes removed
If you have had lymph nodes removed, tell us and we avoid that side.
Recent surgery or radiation
The skin may be too tender. Tell us and we plan around it.
An event coming up
The marks are round and noticeable. Tell us if you will be in a swimsuit or a backless dress.
How many visits, and what this does not do
Some people have cupping at one visit and again a few weeks later. Your acupuncturist suggests a plan and looks at it again as you go.
What cupping does not do
It does not replace medical care for an injury, and we cannot promise a result. Cupping is not used over broken skin.
When to see a doctor instead
See your doctor first for a pain that began after a fall or a blow, a hot, swollen or one-sided leg, a fever or a spreading rash. Call 911 for chest pain or trouble breathing.
Next step
Ask about cupping
Tell us how to reach you and when you are free. We call back to find a time.