Cupping
Cupping is an ancient modality in Chinese medicine, that’s been used for thousands of years with the earliest records dating back to the fourth century. It gained recent popularity during the 2016 Olympics when athletes, such as Michael Phelps, would appear with cupping marks at competitions. Cupping promotes increased circulation and helps to alleviate pain that occurs as a result of stagnation. It also helps to open the pores and release toxins from the body. The cups can be applied to specific areas of the body such as the back, shoulder, hips or legs. While cupping can be a beneficial treatment on its own, it is a great complimentary therapy to an acupuncture treatment.
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
Cupping FAQ
What is cupping?
Cupping is a form of therapy in East Asian medicine that originated from China thousands of years ago. While cups used to be made of hollowed-out animal horns, today they are made of thick glass, plastic, or silicone. An acupuncturist uses cupping as a form of decompressive therapy to promote microcirculation to help alleviate pain, remove toxins from the body, break up obstruction, and to diagnose a patient’s condition based on the color and location of the cupping marks.
How does cupping work?
A vacuum is created either by placing a lit cotton ball that has been soaked in alcohol inside a glass cup and onto the skin or by using a suction pump to draw the air out of a specialty designed glass or plastic cup. Silicone cups can be used by squeezing them as they are placed against the skin to release air and create suction. The suction created is a form of decompressive therapy that promotes microcirculation allowing blood and lymph to flow more freely through the vessels. The type of cup selected is often based on an acupuncturist’s experience, therapeutic goals for a patient, and area being treated.
What are the benefits of cupping?
By promoting circulation, cupping is most commonly used to help alleviate pain, which occurs as a result of stagnation. Cupping also helps to release toxins from the body. It is also effective for alleviating cold, cough, asthma, and allergy symptoms. Since it helps to alleviate tension and stiffness, it is beneficial at promoting relaxation as well.
Where are the cups placed?
Cups are often used along areas that flatter with more flesh such as the back, shoulders, hips, and legs. An area is chosen based on a patient’s presenting symptoms to promote circulation in that area and extract toxins. The cups can be kept stationary at specific areas, placed on and taken off the skin quickly, or moved along certain areas by first applying massage oil or lotion to allow them to slide in specific directions and areas of the body. Techniques that are used are based on therapeutic goals and experience of the acupuncturist. There is an added benefit of placing cups on the back along either side of the spine to affect the body’s longest channel that is linked to each of the organs. By placing cups on the back, an acupuncturist can diagnose and assess a patient’s condition by the location and color of the marks.
Are the marks left by cupping bruises?
The marks are not bruises. This is a form of what is referred to as sha in Chinese medicine. They can vary in color from pink to red to brown to purple, depending on how long it has been collecting in an area and the underlying pathogen according to East Asian medical theory. The color and location can be of diagnostic use to an acupuncturist. Not all cups leave marks on the skin. The amount of time a cupping mark remains on the body can vary greatly from days to weeks. The marks often last between 3-7 days, in rare instances lasting longer than a week.
Does cupping hurt?
Cupping is often described as, “interesting”. For many patient, the cups are comfortable and their favorite part of an acupuncture treatment. Some patients may find them slightly uncomfortable while they’re on but feel the benefits after they are removed. Cups are normally left of for 5-15 minutes.
How can I learn more about how cupping can help me?
You can contact us at info@karmazenacupuncture.com or 512-766-3049. You can also go to our online scheduler to book a FREE consultation and learn how cupping can benefit you and help with your current problem. Dr. Katrina Giangarra, D.A.C.M., L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., can assess your condition and formulate a treatment plan specific to your needs. She can answer any questions and go over any concerns that you may have.
Your initial consultation is free. Talk with our Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
Your initial consultation is free. Talk with our Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
How can we help YOU today?
Facial Rejuvination with Microneedling
Allow your inner beauty to shine outward even more.
Pain Relief
Don't let pain get in your way.
Hormone Imbalances
Free yourself of the hormone imbalances affecting you.
Digestive Disorders
Take control of your digestive health.
Adrenal Fatigue
Prevent the fatigue, pain, and aches of adrenal fatigue from controlling your life.
Allergy Relief, Including Cedar Fever
Don't let your allergies prevent you from enjoying the great outdoors.
Anxiety & Depression
Don't allow your emotional pain hold you back any longer.
Arthritis
Be active and go about your day without constant joint pain.
Back Pain
Resolve your pain and improve your mobility naturally.
Bell's Palsy
Find your smile again.
Bursitis
Regain joint mobility and move without pain.
Carpal Tunnel
Be able to use your wrists without constant pain.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Take control of the pain, numbeness, & tingling caused by cervical radiculopathy.
Elbow Pain, Including, Tennis Elbow & Golfer's Elbow
Lose the pain while regaining your swing with natural treatments.
Endometriosis
Don't allow the pain of endometriosis keep you from time with your family and friends.
Facial Rejuvination with Microneedling
Allow your inner beauty to shine outward even more.
Fertility
Get the family you always dreamed about having one day.
Fibroids
The pain and heavy menstruation due to your uterine fibroids don't have to interfere with enjoying time with family and friends.
Fibromyalgia
Live without constant pain and enjoy your day
Frozen Shoulder
Regain full range of motion without pain, naturally.
Gallbladder Symptoms
Don't allow gallbladder symptoms to impact your daily life.
GERD
Don't let the pain and discomfort of GERD disrupt your day.
Gout
Don't be stuck living with the pain and swelling due to gout.
Hip Pain
Achieve all natural relief from hip pain.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Alleviate your digestive problems naturally.
Immune Support
Boost your immune system naturally and effectively, so you don't get sick or recover quicker if you already are sick.
Insomnia
Be able to fall asleep and stay asleep with all natural remedies.
IT Band Syndrome
Be more active without IT band pain stopping you.
Joint Pain
Don't let joint pain keep you from enjoying the activities that you love.
Knee Pain
Improve your mobility while alleviating your pain.
Lymphedema
Regain mobility and and don't get weighed down by fluid retention.
Microneedling & Nanoneedling
Allow your inner beauty to shine outward even more.
Migraine Headaches
Reduce the severity & frequency of migraines naturally.
Muscle Spasms
Be able to go about your day withou the pain of muscle spasms getting in your way.
Neck Pain
Don't allow neck pain to prevent you from enjoying the things that you love.
Neuropathy
Enjoy your day without burning pain, numbness, and tingling.
PCOS
Don't let the problems of PCOS impact your life.
Perimenopausal & Menopausal Symptoms
Prevent hot flashes and night sweats from keeping you up at night.
Pinched Nerve
Don't allow the pain of nerve impingement keep you from enjoying the activities that you love.
Plantar Fasciitis
Be able to stand up without the fear of shooting pain in your foot.
PMS
Your pain, mood swings, and fatigue can be controlled naturally each month.
Quit Smoking
Take charge of your life and don't allow withdrawal symptoms to control you.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Don't let restless legs prevent you from being able to sleep.
Rosacae
Allow your true complexion to shine through.
Sciatica
Don't let sciatic pain control your life with all natural treatments.
Shingles Nerve Pain
Don't continue to suffer in constant pain and sensitivity due to shingles.
Stroke Recovery
Regain your life back from the effects of your stroke.
Tendinitis
Alleviate your pain, while improving your mobility.
TMJ
Alleviate the pain and discomfort of your TMJ disorder naturally.
Vertigo
Don't let the world continue to feel like it's spinning around you.
Weight Loss
Increase your energy and boost your metabolism.
Your initial consultation is free. Talk with our Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
THIS STUFF WORKS.
Our unique blend of holistic medical therapies gets ALL your body's healing resources going in the same direction...
Acupuncture
Calms stress, clears neuroendocrine pathways, affects neurotransmitters, and promotes circulation.
Cupping
Promotes microcirculation, relieves tension, and helps release toxins.
Herbal Therapy
Transmits nature’s intelligence to heal damaged cells and tissues.
Gua Sha
Breaks up scar tissue and connective tissue, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation.
Moxibustion
Promotes circulation, alleviates tension, and helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
Relaxation & Stress Reduction 
Focus on calming the mind and emotions to maximize your body’s healing resources.
Microneedling & Nanoneedling for Facial Rejuvination
Helps rejuvenate the skin by encouraging the formation of new, healthier skin tissue.
Red Light Therapy (LED Light Therapy)
Uses light to boost skin rejuvenation and address specific skin concerns.
Serums for Microneedling & Nanoneedling
Serums complement microneedling & nanoneedlingby delivering targeted ingredients to promote skin rejuvenation and improve its appearance.
Your initial consultation is free. Talk with our Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF IS PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT WE DO
You'll always feel welcome and cared for here.
Dr. Katrina Giangarra, DACM, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Licensed Acupuncturist, Founder, & Clinic Director
Isabella (aka Izzy, aka Fluff Nugget) Giangarra
3rd Unofficial Mascot
Calliope (aka Callie) Giangarra
Unofficial Mascot
Esme (aka Ezzy or Ezzers) Giangarra
2nd Unofficial Mascot
Your initial consultation is free. Talk with our Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
Located in Spicewood
Karma Zen Acupuncture is located in a serene spot off of Highway-71 between the entrances of Sweetwater in the Bee Creek Business Park. Whether you live locally in Spicewood or in the surrounding areas of Briarcliff, Marble Falls, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Austin, or Dripping Springs, we are happy to provide a peaceful and relaxing environment as we help you on your path to better health. The location is a hidden gem as it’s great for those locally, not wanting to travel far, and for those wanting to escape from the more chaotic and busier areas.
Your initial consultation is free. Talk with our Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
