Cupping Therapy

If you’re looking to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and boost circulation throughout your body, cupping therapy offers a safe, medication-free solution. At Twin Acupuncture in the New Springville neighborhood of Staten Island, New York City, New York, acupuncture specialist Kerri Kuhlsen, L.Ac., c.SMA, includes cupping therapy to acupuncture sessions to treat pain, promote healing, and improve your overall well-being. To request an initial consultation, call or text the office or fill out the online form today.

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy has been practiced in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years and has more recently gained popularity around the globe thanks to its numerous benefits, particularly for athletes. It uses gentle suction to lift the skin and increase blood flow to targeted areas needing circulation and healing.

This process can help release restrictive fascia (connective tissue) and benefit muscular recovery. The cups may remain in one place, or Kerri may move them across treatment areas. Cupping therapy can relax contracted muscles, improve respiratory disorders, and eliminate toxins.

An initial consultation is always the first step in receiving cupping therapy at Twin Acupuncture.

What can I expect during cupping therapy?

After an initial consultation to determine whether you’re a candidate for cupping therapy, you schedule your first session promptly. Kerri discusses your health history, current concerns, and what you’d like to get out of treatment.

When you arrive, you can prepare by being well-hydrated and neither hungry nor full. Don’t worry about shaving the treatment area. Avoid any level of sunburn before your appointment, and wear comfortable clothes.

When you attend your cupping therapy session, Kerri uses small plastic cups to suction targeted areas of skin. She may glide them along the skin.

These cups increase the circulation to these areas, often leaving a distinctive mark. You may have seen professional athletes with mysterious, round red marks on their muscles. This natural side effect of cupping lasts only a few days and dissipates on its own.

What should I do after cupping therapy?

After your cupping appointment, let your body adjust and process the benefits you’ve earned. For 4-6 hours after your treatment, avoid:

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Processed foods
• Hot showers, hot tubs, and saunas
• Cold wind or strong air conditioning
• Intense exercise

Instead, drink lots of water to help flush cellular waste that cupping has eliminated from your tissues, keep comfortably warm, and allow yourself to rest. Hydration and relaxation are the order of the day.

To set up your initial consultation, fill out the online form or reach out to Twin Acupuncture by calling or texting today.