Cupping Therapy is an ancient modality utilized for many purposes. While it is most commonly associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is evidence to suggest it was used by many different cultured around the world. Here at Birch Tree Haven, we use suction cupping rather than fire cupping, but both have the same benefits. Cupping works with meridian theory, suggesting that we have specific energy channels called meridians flowing through our body, each attached to a specific organ and governing different physical, emotional, and spiritual states. The suction goes 4 inches into the body, drawing out stagnant energy, toxins, and illness to the surface and out through your lymphatic system to allow your qi to flow properly once more. Some of the benefits are:

relief of inflammation, tension and pain in the body

increase in range of motion

detoxification

rebalancing of Qi (energy)

release of trauma stored in the body

It is important to note that this treatment often leaves marks on the body commonly referred to as “bruising”. While these marks do look like a bruise, there is no pain associated with them. During you treatment, your cupping therapist may use a combination of stagnant and gliding cups to create the greatest benefit. This treatment may be done on its own in 30 or 60 minute treatments, or it can be combined with any of the following modalities for an added fee:

Reiki

Integrated Energy Healing

Registered Massage Therapy

Guided Meditation

If combining Cupping Therapy with Registered Massage Therapy, this will be strictly focused on muscle, soft tissue, and joints to stay in scope of massage therapy as set out by the college of massage therapists of ontario.

This treatment may not be suitable for those with heart disease, high blood pressure. or diabetes, and will require modification for those pregnant or breast feeding. As always, please consult your doctor and talk with your cupping therapist to see if this treatment is right for you.