Cupping therapy, also known as pneumatic decompression, has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine, and has become a well-known therapy in modern western treatments as well. You have probably seen pictures of athletes, like Michael Phelps, with cup marks on their backs.

We use suction cups to release tight muscles and fascia. This can be immensely helpful in treating chronic pain patterns that keep coming back.

In Chinese medicine, we also use cupping to release toxins and “pathogenic factors” from the tissues. We can tell from the color and intensity of the cup marks whether you have cold, heat or stagnation stuck in the tissues.

Cupping usually leaves reddish or light purple marks on the skin that last a few days. We call it “Sha,” and it’s a good sign of release of stagnation. The marks are usually painless. We ask that you keep them covered to avoid getting a draft on the opened pores.

All cups are sterilized thoroughly after each use.