If you’ve ever seen someone’s back after receiving cupping therapy, then you might have been put off the idea of getting this treatment. The big, red circles on their skin make them look like they’ve just come off an alien spaceship or something equally bizarre. But, if you’d speak to the same person, they’ll more than likely tell you of all the great things about the treatment they just had.

If you’re interested in getting cupping done for the first time, read on for more information on what to expect from it. You can check out our blog explaining what cupping is first if you don’t know anything about it.

What happens during cupping therapy?

Cupping is normally done to your back, but can be applied to other body parts like the legs and arms. So, you’ll typically lie down on the massage table on your front. The massage therapist will heat up the cups and then apply them to your skin. The heat will create a vacuum between the glass and your skin so that the skin is essentially pulled into the space between.

How long does the treatment last?

This will vary depending on the clinic and the person administering it. Generally, the cups are left on the skin for around 10-15 minutes after being applied.

Does it hurt?

Most people agree that cupping doesn’t hurt at all, but that it does feel a little weird. At worst, cupping should feel like a deep tissue massage – a little uncomfortable but not painful. About those marks left over, they are not bruises. They are a result of the blood settling around the skin’s surface as a consequence of the sucking action. Some people find them slightly sensitive to the touch, especially the first time, but they should not bruise and should not be painful if the treatment is administered properly.

How long will those marks last?

This will vary from one person to the next, as will the appearance of the marks. Some people won’t even mark at all. Generally, these circular marks will fade in just a few days after the treatment. Some people will leave with darker cupping marks than others, which may take slightly longer to fade.

Cupping has lots of mental and physical benefits for anyone getting it, and the feeling can be even more intense after the first time getting the treatment. If you want to find out more about cupping or book your appointment in Winston Salem, NC, then contact us today.