Cupping and Acupuncture in Vancouver: A Dynamic Duo for Holistic Healing

If you are looking for cupping treatments, book your appointment at My Rest today!

By: Ala Wroblewska

The Power of Moving Cupping

One cupping technique I really like is moving cupping, also known as myofascial cupping. This method involves pulling along the skin to facilitate fascial stretching. It’s excellent for both new and long-standing injuries. Much like a massage, moving cupping uses lifting, pulling, and stretching actions to support circulation and move irritants out of the tissue. Improved circulation means better lymphatic flow, along with enhanced oxygen and nutrient exchange in the treated areas. You might notice changes in pain at trigger points, such as the tight bands or knots in muscle tissue, which cause both local and referred pain.

Understanding the Fascia

The fascia is a three-dimensional network of connective tissue that shapes, supports, and protects the body. It creates structure and allows movement. Without fascia, our bodies wouldn’t be able to hold themselves up or move. This connective tissue weaves its way through muscle, nerves, organs, fat and bone.  Simple activities like sitting in a car or at a desk for long periods can change the shape of your tissues. Muscles that are repeatedly in a shortened state will restrict your range of motion. By working with these tissues through cupping and acupuncture, we can create neurological and chemical changes, improve hydration and elasticity, enhance movement, and reduce restrictions.

Cupping Marks and Their Significance

Cupping marks can range from barely noticeable to dark purple, resulting from bleeding outside the smallest blood vessels under the skin. With moving cupping, you’re more likely to see redness along the area you’re working on, while stationary cupping usually results in those familiar dark circles. These marks are perfectly safe and do not harm the muscle tissue. Not only does cupping benefit the local area that we focus on during a session, but a system-wide response unfolds throughout your body.  In response to the marks developing, your body sends out an enzyme called heme-oxygenase 1, which acts as an antioxidant. This process helps to manage inflammation and has antiproliferative properties, meaning it slows down the growth of cells, including malignant ones.  

Timing and Recovery

If you have a fresh injury, it’s best to wait 3-7 days before working on that tissue directly with moving cupping. Gentle manual work, acupuncture, or cupping away from the injured area are better options initially. Cupping marks typically fade within 3-14 days; the darker they are initially, the longer they will take to fade.

If you are looking for cupping treatments, book your appointment at My Rest today!