Watch this video to learn about the benefits of cupping, how it works, and why Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and others are using this method of treatment.

What is cupping?
Cupping, considered a from of alternative medicine, dates back to ancient Egyptian & Chinese cultures. Early practitioners utilized animal horns or bamboo and a flame to create suction, but most current practitioners use “pump cups” made of glass or plastic.    

How does it work?
The pump is similar using a pump to fill your bike tires; however, instead of pushing air into tires, you pull air out of the cups. As you pull air out of the cups, you create suction, as if you were to place a vacuum wand on your skin. Doing so, helps stretch the skin and muscle apart, loosening the myofascial layer in-between. Loosening this creates better blood flow to the muscles. With the blood comes oxygen and more flexible muscles.  

What can it treat?
While first used for expelling pus, cupping commonly treats pain/provides pain relief, musculoskeletal issues, digestive disorders and symptoms associated with the respiratory system e.g. asthma, coughs and colds.  

Are there any side effects?
If you’ve seen any pictures from the Olympics, you’ll likely have circular marks that look, and heal, like bruises. How long it takes the marks to heal gives practitioners insight on your circulation. Often times patents report that they feel like they had a deep tissue massage or a good workout. 

Try a Cupping & Acupuncture Session at Fitness Arts with Acupuncturist & Herbologist Karissa McCallum
Schedule a cupping session with Karissa, who also specializes in acupuncture for weight loss, pain management, facial diagnosis, abdominal diagnosis and treatment, food as therapy, immunology for children and more. Cost: $70.

Call or email today to schedule your session!