What is cupping?

Cupping is a traditional therapy used in Chinese Medicine to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote the body’s natural healing response. Special cups are placed on the skin to create gentle suction, which helps increase blood flow to the area and release tight or stagnant tissue.

Cupping is commonly used for back, neck, and shoulder tension, but it can also be helpful for sports injuries, chronic pain, headaches, respiratory conditions, and stress-related muscle tightness. The suction helps relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and support recovery after physical strain.

The treatment typically creates temporary circular marks on the skin, which are not bruises but a normal response to increased circulation. These marks usually fade within a few days.

Cupping is often used together with acupuncture as part of a comprehensive treatment to help the body relax, improve mobility, and support overall healing.

What is gua sha?

Gua sha is a traditional technique used in Chinese Medicine to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing. A smooth-edged tool is gently stroked along the skin to stimulate blood flow and release tight or restricted tissue. This technique is often used on the neck, shoulders, back, and other areas of muscular tension.

Gua sha is commonly used for pain, stiffness, headaches, sports injuries, and areas of chronic tightness. By increasing circulation to the affected area, it helps reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and support the body’s natural recovery process.

The treatment may create temporary redness or small marks on the skin, which are a normal response and typically fade within a few days. These marks indicate increased circulation to the area and are not harmful.

Gua sha is often combined with acupuncture or cupping as part of a comprehensive treatment to help the body relax, reduce pain, and restore normal movement.