A technique in Chinese medicine that uses suction to treat specific areas of the body.
Cupping is a technique traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It involves creating suction on the skin using cups placed on areas determined by the therapist.
At La Clinique Naturelle in Geneva, cupping is generally part of a more comprehensive treatment plan based on traditional Chinese medicine. In particular, it may be combined with acupuncture or Tui Na massage when the therapist’s assessment indicates that its use may be appropriate.
Their use is therefore tailored to each individual based on the reason for the consultation, the Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment, and the specific needs of each person.
What is cupping therapy?
Cupping is used in various traditional medical systems, particularly in Chinese medicine.
The technique involves placing a suction cup on the skin and creating negative pressure inside it. This suction causes the skin and superficial tissues to lift locally.
At La Clinique Naturelle, our practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine use glass cupping cups, among other techniques. A vacuum is created by briefly holding a flame inside the cup before applying it to the skin. The flame never comes into contact with the skin.
Cupping cups can be left in place for a few minutes or used in different ways, depending on the technique chosen and the therapist’s goal.
In what situations can cupping be recommended?
A therapist can incorporate cupping into a traditional Chinese medicine treatment plan in various situations.
Cupping: One of the Many Practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Cupping is one of the techniques that a therapist can incorporate into a traditional Chinese medicine consultation.
During the consultation, the doctor begins by conducting a thorough assessment. He or she focuses on the reason for the visit, its progression, and any other associated symptoms, as well as the patient’s overall health and any treatments or medications the patient is already taking.
Based on this assessment, and depending on the situation and the client’s background, the therapist determines which techniques seem most appropriate.
Care may therefore involve:
- acupuncture, which involves stimulating specific points using fine needles;
- the Chinese pharmacopoeia, when a formula to be taken between appointments is appropriate;
- Tui Na, which uses various manual, pressure, and mobilization techniques;
- moxibustion, which traditionally uses the heat produced by burning moxa;
- cupping, which creates localized suction on the skin;
- auriculotherapy, which involves stimulating certain points on the outer ear.
These techniques are not always used together. The therapist chooses the tools he or she considers most appropriate for your situation, based on his or her training and your preferences.
Are the sessions covered by supplemental insurance?
Some supplemental insurance plans may cover part of the cost of sessions. However, coverage depends on your policy, the type of therapy you receive, and the therapist you choose.
Before your first appointment, we recommend that you contact your insurance provider directly and provide them with the following information:
- the therapist's name;
- the therapy in question.
The therapists at La Clinique Naturelle hold professional accreditations that vary depending on their specialty, including accreditation fromASCA and/or RME. However, these accreditations do not automatically guarantee reimbursement for sessions: only your insurance provider can confirm the exact terms of your coverage.
FAQ – Suction Cups
There is no set number of sessions that applies to everyone.
The frequency depends on the reason for the consultation, how long the issue has been present, the observed progress, and other techniques used during the sessions. The therapist reassesses the treatment plan as the sessions progress.
It is essential to inform the therapist of any anticoagulant therapy or bleeding disorder before the session. Suction may cause bruising, and in certain situations, it may be necessary to avoid using cupping or to adjust its use.
If in doubt, it may be necessary to consult the doctor who prescribed the treatment
At La Clinique Naturelle, cupping is generally incorporated into a traditional Chinese medicine consultation rather than offered as a standalone treatment.
The therapist first conducts an assessment to determine whether cupping is appropriate and whether it should be combined with acupuncture, Tui Na, or another technique.
The marks are caused by the mechanical effect of suction on the skin and small superficial blood vessels.
Contrary to a common misconception about cupping, a darker mark does not mean that a greater amount of “toxins” has been eliminated.
The procedure is not generally described as painful, but the suction may cause a sensation of tightness or pulling.
The therapist adjusts the technique and suction intensity to ensure that the session remains comfortable.
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