Care
Cupping
Glass cups set on the back or shoulders for a few minutes.
In cupping, an acupuncturist sets glass cups on the skin and draws a little air out, so the cups hold on by gentle suction. We use it as an add-on to an acupuncture visit, usually on the upper back and shoulders, and always over a drape.
What to know before you come
Who usually comes
People who carry tension in the upper back and shoulders and want something added to a regular visit.
What a visit is like
You ask for cupping when you arrive. Your acupuncturist places the cups for about five to ten minutes while you rest, then lifts them off and covers the area.
What you may feel afterward
Faint round marks can show for a few days and then fade. The area can feel warm, tight or a little tender. Tell us if a mark worries you.
Tell us first
Before we start, tell your acupuncturist about any of these. We will change what we do, or skip it.
Blood thinners or a bleeding disorder
Pregnancy
Skin that is broken, sunburned or inflamed
A pacemaker or other implanted device
Lymph nodes removed on one side
How many visits
Often a few visits, as part of your regular acupuncture plan. It is your choice each time.
What it does not do, and when to see a doctor instead
It does not replace your doctor, your medicines or tests. Call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness or a serious injury. See your doctor first for a new or worsening symptom.
Ask for cupping at your next visit
You choose what you pay. The range is posted at the front desk.