Cupping

Cupping is an ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine practice that refers to the technique which uses small cups as suction devices that are placed on the skin to disperse and break up stagnation and congestion of Qi (vital energy). It is much like an inverse massage, rather than applying pressure to the muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward.

Once suctioned to a desired strength, the cups are often left for a few minutes while the patient relaxes. The cups can also be gently moved across the skin, referred to as gliding cupping which helps to massage the muscle fascia. This is a great tool for any kind of muscular pain or body pain caused by muscular tension.

It can be useful in clearing lung congestion in the lungs from a common cold, and is helpful in asthma as well as skin and circulation. All of our naturopathic doctors at Valero Wellness are fully trained and licensed to do cupping therapy. Reflexologist Christine Hamel also provides cupping therapy.