Fire Cupping refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced, so the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup. In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle (the technique is called gliding cupping or "sliding cups"). The practice of fire cupping involves removing the oxygen from the cup with the application of alcohol and fire, immediately applying to the skin to create suction.

The benefit of fire cupping from a bodywork standpoint is that it creates a similar result as one would achieve through deep tissue work, detoxifying more deeply and releasing tissues more rapidly in most cases. The cupping is also effective for releasing trigger points, which are painful areas congested with metabolic waste. The cups may also be applied to acupuncture/acupressure points, for treating specific energy meridians along the body. 

Cupping combined with bodywork is recommended for the treatment of muscular pain, trigger points, and other musculoskeletal disorders.  After a treatment, clients report feeling lighter, looser, and comfortable.  They notice increased range of motion and increased energy.

Clients commonly ask:  Why does the firecupping cause increased redness or blotchiness to appear on the skin?  Because the firecupping is stimulating circulation, stretching the underlying tissues and pulling waste products to the surface, there is a reddening of the area (caused by the increased circulation, and sometimes, if there are a lot of metabolic wastes trapped in the tissues or between the layers of tissue, this will create a deeper, darker "blotch".  T lymphatic system is also being stimulated  this exacerbation of movement of blood circulation and toxins gives the body's lymphatic and circulatory system an opportunity to purge the toxins more quickly.  

How soon will the redness and blotches disappear?  Usually within 24-48 hours.

Conditions that have improved from the use of firecupping:

TMJ, chronic tightness of the neck, shoulder and back musculature, improved range of movement in joint areas, Asthma and Allergies (due to the lower level of toxins, which are irritants, in the body, symptoms become less acute with these conditions.

(Important Note):  None of the information contained herein is intended to prescribe, diagnose or replace the advice of your medical health provider.  This information is provided by Henrietta J. Butler and is solely based on personal experience with these modalities.