Fire cupping is a traditional therapy that involves placing cups on the skin and using fire to create a partial vacuum inside the cup, which draws the skin and underlying tissue upward into the cup. This technique is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other traditional healing practices around the world.
How fire cupping generally works
Preparation: Typically, glass cups are used for cupping therapy. The practitioner applies a flammable substance such as alcohol, herbs, or cotton to the inside of the cup and then ignites it.
Application: Once the fire consumes the oxygen inside the cup, the practitioner quickly places the cup upside down on the skin at the desired location. As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a partial vacuum, causing the skin and superficial muscle layer to be drawn up into the cup.
Treatment: The cups may be left in place for a few minutes or moved around the skin using massage oil to glide them. This helps to mobilize blood flow, release tension, and promote relaxation.
What are the benefits of fire cupping?
Pain relief: Cupping is thought to help relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain associated with conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and migraines.
Improved circulation: The suction created by cupping can stimulate blood flow to the treated area, promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and aiding in the removal of metabolic waste products.
Relaxation and stress reduction: Many people find cupping therapy to be relaxing and stress-relieving, similar to massage therapy.
At Botanical Point if fire cupping is deemed the correct treatment method from your constitution and diagnosis, it will be included in regular 60min acupuncture treatments.
Not only is it a great way to relax before your needling session, but the color that appears on the skin is also a helpful tool and diagnostically significant for your practitioner. Which will guide the treatment protocol during your Acupuncture treatment.
Cupping mark colors and what they may indicate
Pale: If the cupping marks fail to appear or appear very lightly and disappear right away this could be considered normal (if there are no other symptoms) or it can point to a blood deficiency.
Bright red: This is a sign of heat (inflammation). Heat is further broken down into deficiency heat and excess heat which will be reflected through other symptoms in the body and treated accordingly.
Purple: There are many shades of purple and each indicate something different. This color can appear in cold conditions, pain conditions and extreme heat condition.
Blotchy: This is a pattern we often see in damp conditions. Dampness obstructs the free flow of qi and blood. So here we often see cupping marks that are not fully filled in.
While fire cupping is generally considered safe when performed by trained practitioners, it can sometimes cause mild side effects such as bruising, skin irritation, or temporary discomfort. It's important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before trying cupping therapy, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.
If you have questions about fire cupping or curious if it would be the right treatment method for you, please reach out. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have or if you'd like to read more about the benefits of acupuncture, you can do so here.