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Traditionally and most commonly cups are made of glass for fire cupping, where fire is lit and inserted quickly inside the cup to draw out air, then cup is swiftly placed over skin to create suctions. At Flow Acupuncture, we use mainly air cupping, an alternative to fire cupping, a handheld suction pump is used to remove air from the cups, its suggested that this innovation in cupping technology is more comfortable for patients.

Dry and Wet Cupping.

• Dry cupping is a suction-only method. (Most commonly used)
• Wet cupping involves suction and controlled blood-letting method.

Stable and Moving cupping

• Stable cupping is a stationary method where cups are left on the body during the treatment period.
• Moving cupping is like having a massage, oil is applied onto the body with cups pushed along the meridian channels.

The discoloration is due to broken or expanded blood vessels just beneath the skin when the suction cups lift up and stretch the soft tissue, much like a bruise, but usually painless. Depending on intensity of the suction and the level of blood and Qi blockages, toxin or dampness accumulate in your body, this circular marks may come out lighter or darker. According to TCM, this discoloration would be a favourable outcome, as it may suggest the treatment has successfully removed toxins and blockage of Qi and blood.

During a cupping treatment, around 4-10 cups will be cupped over selected area, either on the upper and lower back and shoulders or the site of pain. The cups are left on the body for anywhere from five to 20 minutes depending on the nature of the individual’s condition, and are removed by lifting one edge, to allows air in to breaks the seal and suction. Cupping is sometimes performed along with acupuncture. Any mild bruising or other marks usually go away after few days to up to 2 weeks of the session.

• Cupping therapy isn’t recommended for everyone.
• Children under 4 years old are not suitable to receive cupping and also during pregnancy we avoid areas around the abdomen and lower back.
• People with some medical condition. E.g. on blood-thinning medication.
• Cupping should also avoided over areas on open-wounds, or skin ulcer

Moxa is used in conjunction with acupuncture, acupressure, cupping and Chinese herbal medicine. The purpose of moxa, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to stimulate acupoints in order to promote the body’s ability to heal itself. The radiant heat produced by moxa penetrates deeply into the body, restoring the balance and flow of qi and maintain general health.

Yes, at flow clinic we mainly use smokeless moxa stick or cone with our treatment. Smokeless form has no smoke but will have tinge of moxa smell in the air.

No, moxa is not suitable for everyone since it’s adding more heat to the body. Our experienced practitioner will discuss with you the use of moxa if necessary.