Pathways Acupuncture & Wellness in Surprise, AZ, provides our patients with personalized acupuncture and cupping therapy in a welcoming and relaxing setting. While acupuncture is understood by most of our patients, cupping treatment is not always as well known.

What is Cupping?

Similar to acupuncture, cupping is an ancient form of medicine practiced in a number of different cultures. It was used as far back as 1500 B.C. in ancient Egypt and Middle Eastern cultures and is a traditional part of Chinese medicine and treatment for pain.

As the name implies, cupping massage therapy uses special small bowls that are called cups. The cups may be made of glass, silicone, bamboo, or other materials. To prepare the cups, the therapist will burn a small amount of flammable material in the cup to heat the air. The cup is placed, open side down, on your back or shoulders. When the air cools in the cup, it creates a vacuum that stimulates circulation in the skin to help heal and manage pain.

Cupping for back pain and cupping for sciatica pain can be used in conjunction with acupuncture or on its own. We also offer shoulder cupping that can help relieve shoulder pain and increase the range of motion.

Cupping is not painful. Our patients will notice a discoloration of the skin where the cups were placed, but this will naturally fade over the next few days after the session.

To schedule an appointment or a complimentary consultation in Surprise, AZ, call us today at 623-533-6338 or reach us online.