At Connecting Point Acupuncture, Gina practices traditional fire cupping. The fire is used to remove the oxygen inside a glass cup and the cup is immediately placed on the body with the appropriate amount of suction. The suction helps to release muscle fiber adhesions and increase circulation to areas of tight, sore or painful muscles.

The marks left after a cupping session are referred to as “sha” in Chinese, or sand. They are not bruises. Bruises are painful but cupping marks typically are not. The “sha” is the stagnant blood that has been pulled from the tissue, allowing much more freedom and new blood to nourish and energize the muscle. The stagnant marks may look speckled or dotted with color, or have a sand-like appearance- “sha”!

Cupping can be integrated into an acupuncture session based on whether or not it is indicated. Stand-alone cupping sessions are offered but Gina will always make sure it is the appropriate treatment.