Cupping is an ancient technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to stimulate acupuncture points or larger areas of the body. It is often practiced alongside Acupuncture but can also be a 'stand-alone' treatment.

The technique involves creating a vacuum inside round glass or plastic cups by inserting a naked flame and removing it, or sucking out air mechanically. The cups are then left in place for anything up to 20 minutes.

If large areas of the body need treating, a technique known as 'sliding cupping' is used. A thin layer of massage oil is spread over the skin; the cups are placed onto the body in the normal way and then slid along the muscles being treated. This treatment is often compared to deep tissue massage.

Cupping is not painful but can leave slightly red patches on the skin, like circular bruises. Although these marks resemble bruises, the muscles have not been traumatised in any way. The redness on the skin indicates that there has been movement in the circulation of blood under and around the cups. Not all cupping treatments will result in redness as this depends on the complaint being addressed.

We like to think of cupping as the reverse of a deep tissue massage - where tissue is lifted rather than compressed - making it ideal for people who cannot tolerate deep tissue massage.

Cupping at Carre Street Clinic is carried out by professionally trained practitioners who are able to recognise any contraindications for its use.

How much does it cost?

£35 or £48