Cupping is a practice used in traditional medicine in several parts of the world, including China and the Middle East. It involves creating suction on the skin using a glass, ceramic, bamboo, or plastic cup. Negative pressure is created in the cup either by applying a flame to the cup to remove oxygen before placing it on the skin or by attaching a suction device to the cup after it is placed on the skin.

Cupping is manily used for muscular aches and pains, and general stiffness. It can also be used for headaches and can even be used on the abdomen and legs.

Cupping leaves temporary marks on the skin. The origin of these marks should be explained to health care providers so that they will not be mistaken for signs of physical abuse. The primary side effects of cupping are bruising and skin irritation. Both should heal on their own in 7-10 days. Treatment areas are normally up to 30 minutes.

Glass cupping and plastic cupping both have very similar results, they both help boost the immune system, increase blood flow and reduce flow. However the application is different, plastic cupping is performed using suction on the skin. Glass cupping is performed using fire resulting in suction from the heat applied to the skin to create a very similar effect to the plastic cupping.

Courtney Mackin offers Cupping therapy at the Cryotherapy Clinic. Sessions cost £60/session and run from 30 minutes up to an hour depending on the area being treated. Please contact Courtney to book an appointment on 07783545246.