To begin, you will have a consultation to discuss the concerns you would like to address in your sessions. It is helpful at this stage to inform Dr. Lana of any other treatments or services you are receiving along with any health conditions that may make you unsuitable for this therapy (ie: diabetic, open wounds, abnormally low blood pressure). Our practitioners will then be able to assess where best to place the cups.

The back is the most commonly used area because it has multiple acupuncture meridian lines that are optimal for cup placement. Other areas of the body may be used too, like calves, quads, glutes and shoulders. Fleshy areas are preferred as they lend themselves well to suction.

Depending on the nature of your condition(s), our practitioners will leave the cups in place from 10-15 minutes. Usually, several cups are placed at the same time. Your DLW practitioner may also offer acupuncture in addition to cupping. Often the two therapies are used within the same session. If this is the case, you can choose whether or not you would like just cupping or both modalities in the same session.

Cupping therapy causes mild swelling and potential bruising on the skin. Therefore, many assume it must be painful; however, pain should not be the case. The marks or 'bruises' appear because the suction causes the blood vessels on the surface of the skin to expand. The resulting marks are unlike bruises caused by blunt trauma, and they should not hurt in the same manner.

The marks can last anywhere between a day and two weeks, but usually, they last only a couple of days. You may feel a tight pulling sensation as the cups are applied, but again there shouldn't be any pain. If you are feeling pain, be sure to tell your licensed acupuncturist so they can adjust their technique.

If your skin is broken or inflamed,we will not perform the therapy over compromised areas. If you're worried about the sensation, explain this to your practitioner, and they will use very gentle pressure during your first session and gradually increase in intensity as need be, when you get used to the feeling.

There are different types of cupping you can try, each with their own benefits.

Dry Cupping - Dry cupping (also known as 'air cupping') doesn't use heat to create the suction. Instead, it uses a specially designed pump that attaches to the end of the cup. The pump is used to create a vacuum. Some practitioners prefer this method as it gives them more control over the amount of suction. Because this method doesn't use heat to create suction, there is also no potential risk of accidental burns.

Fire Cupping - Fire cupping is the traditional method that most people think about when they hear of cupping therapy. The heat from the flame creates suction by applying alcohol to the inside of the cup—such as from a candle or lighter, hence the name "fire cupping." The flame does not come in contact with your skin, Dr. Lana is trained on how to perform this therapy correctly and safely.

Stationary Cupping - When the cups are placed on the body for a set amount of time. This is the most common form of cupping.

Sliding Cupping - When oil is applied to the body and cups are then manually moved back and forth to break up fascia, increase circulation and loosen up tights muscles. This is great for breaking up tough mucus during cold and flu season.

When carried out by a qualified professional, cupping therapy should carry little to no risk. However, it is advised that the following groups avoid it:

Those with bleeding disorders

Those with metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread from one part of the body to another)

Those with muscle spasms or bone fractures

In addition to this, the therapy will not be performed on sites of the body that have the following:

An ulcer or open wound

An artery

Deep vein thrombosis

The number of sessions needed depends on the individual. An acute painful condition typically improves after 4 to 6 sessions, of which should be spaced out depending upon how long the marks last, as marks are not to be cupped over. This methodology usually spaces out the appointments every week to two weeks. Many patients come for bi-monthly or monthly maintenance to stay symptom-free after initial weekly check-ups.

There are very few adverse "side effects" associated with cupping; the only real side effect patients report are the visible cupping marks left behind for a few days. Immediately post treatment, you will feel calm, relaxed and generally less tension overall. For maximal benefits, it is suggested to take the rest of the day easy, no strenuous workouts for at least 4 hours, no alcohol that evening, keep the marks covered and sleep in clothing, so as not to allow any external pathogens back into the body by way of the open pores. Over the following 48-72 hours, your tension and pain levels will continue to dissipate.

The marks that cupping can cause usually last between three to seven days, depending on the patient's physical activity, the number of toxins released during the session, and how much water the patient drinks afterward. The discoloration ranges from a deep purple to a dark red. If the person receiving cupping sweats a lot daily, or if there is little to no stagnation in the area, the mark may only be a light pink color and can disappear within the day.

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