Asheville Integrative Acupuncture is now Heart Song Acupuncture! the practice is now led by Jodi Lefkowitz, L.Ac. While some things are shifting, the same high-quality, personalized care will continue in the same location. Explore the site to learn more and book your next treatment today!
Cupping
Cupping is a time-honored therapeutic tradition that works by creating suction to lift and release the underlying tissues, stimulating circulation and promoting healing. At Heart Song Acupuncture, I specialize in Fire Cupping, a traditional method that incorporates the warming element of fire to enhance the therapeutic effects. By encouraging blood flow and reducing stagnation, Fire Cupping supports the body’s natural ability to recover and thrive.
How Cupping Works
Cupping involves placing glass cups on the skin to create a vacuum that gently lifts the underlying tissue. This process promotes blood flow, releases tension, and supports the removal of stagnation and toxins from the body. Fire Cupping, in particular, enhances this effect by introducing the warming element of fire, which deepens circulation and provides a grounding, therapeutic warmth.
Cupping Techniques
Cupping therapy involves various techniques and vessels, each designed to address specific needs and conditions. At Heart Song Acupuncture, I offer the following approaches:
-
Fire Cupping: This traditional method uses glass, ceramic, or even bamboo cups and the warming element of fire to create suction, delivering deep stimulation and enhanced circulation. The heat adds a grounding and therapeutic warmth that amplifies the effects.
-
Dry Cupping: In this method, suction is created using a pump rather than fire, and glass or silicone cups are used to gently lift the skin and underlying tissues, supporting circulation and detoxification.
-
Sliding Cupping: Cups are moved across oiled skin, creating a massage-like effect that loosens fascia and improves overall circulation. This technique is particularly effective for larger areas like the back.
-
Flash Cupping: Cups are applied and removed quickly to stimulate the skin and promote blood flow, making it ideal for sensitive areas or mild stagnation.
Each type of cupping therapy is carefully selected based on your unique health goals, ensuring a safe and effective experience.
The Benefits of Cupping
Cupping offers a wide range of benefits, including:
-
Relieving Muscle Tension: Eases tightness and stiffness in the back, shoulders, and other areas of the body.
-
Improving Circulation: Enhances blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and promoting recovery.
-
Supporting Detoxification: Assists the body in releasing toxins and reducing inflammation.
-
Easing Pain: Alleviates both chronic and acute pain by addressing deep-seated blockages.
-
Promoting Relaxation: Induces a state of calm and relaxation, helping to reduce stress and tension.
What to Expect During Your Session
Each cupping session begins with the application of massage oil to the skin, which helps the cups glide smoothly and enhances suction. Depending on your needs, I may also use topical muscle relief oils to further ease tension. Once the area is prepared, glass cups are carefully placed on specific points to create suction, which lifts and releases the underlying tissue. Depending on the condition being treated, the cups may be stationary, left in place for 10-15 minutes, or gently moved across the skin to provide a massage-like effect and improve circulation. If gua sha is part of your treatment, I may incorporate it before or alongside cupping to enhance circulation and address stagnation (learn more about gua sha). Many patients find cupping to be deeply soothing and grounding. It is common for cupping to leave circular marks on the skin—not bruises, but signs of stagnation being released. These marks typically fade within a few days to a week. Whether used on its own or in combination with acupuncture, your session is designed to leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and supported.
Cupping at Heart Song Acupuncture
Moxibustion is one of the many time-honored therapies I offer at Heart Song Acupuncture to support your healing journey. This gentle yet powerful technique is integrated into treatments to meet your unique needs and foster lasting wellness.
Ready to experience the transformative warmth of moxibustion? Contact me today to schedule your first session or a free 30-minute consultation. Let’s work together to restore balance, vitality, and ease to your life.