Cupping & Gua Sha

Cupping and gua sha are therapeutic techniques used in Chinese medicine to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and support recovery. It is commonly used alongside acupuncture or bodywork based on your clinical presentation.

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How It Works

Cupping uses gentle suction to lift the skin and underlying tissue, increasing local blood flow and promoting circulation. This can help reduce muscle tightness, support tissue recovery, and relieve stagnation or restriction in areas.

 

Gua sha is a manual technique that uses a smooth tool to gently glide across the skin, increasing circulation and reducing muscle tension. It is often used for areas of tightness, restricted movement, or localized discomfort.

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What Is It Used For

• Muscle tension and tightness

• Neck, back, and shoulder pain

• Recovery from physical activity

• Circulatory support

• Areas of localized discomfort

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What To Expect

Cupping and gua sha are generally well tolerated and may create temporary circular marks on the skin due to increased circulation in the treated area. These marks are not bruises and typically resolve within several days.

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How It Fits Into Treatment

Cupping is used as an adjunct therapy and is incorporated based on your condition and response to care. It may be combined with acupuncture or bodywork to support overall treatment goals.

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​Contraindications: Avoid use if you have severe diseases, such as cardiac or renal failure, ascites due to liver disease, severe edema, hemorrhagic diseases or patients on blood thinners, acute stages of psoriasis, eczema, or allergic dermatitis, active shingles or urticaria, over low back or abdomen during pregnancy, over large blood vessels or varicose veins or hernias, broken bones, atrophied muscles, slipped discs, and patients with pacemakers and implants.​​