Cupping and Gua Sha, what is that?
Cupping is a traditional alternative therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. It is believed to promote healing and improve blood circulation. Cupping has been practiced for centuries in various cultures, including traditional Chinese medicine, Middle Eastern medicine, and other holistic healing systems. At NŪR Skincare, we use this method in conjuction with Gua Sha, which we’ll explain more about later.
During a cupping session, we place cups, which are made of glass on specific areas of the body. The cups use a suction device to create a vacuum, which draws the skin and underlying tissues into the cup. This creates a temporary separation between the layers of tissue and promotes blood flow to the area.
Benefits attributed to cupping include:
1. **Improved Blood Circulation:** The suction created by cupping is thought to stimulate blood circulation, which can help deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues, remove waste products, and promote overall healing.
2. **Pain Relief:** Cupping may provide relief from muscle tension, pain, and stiffness. It is often used to target areas of discomfort, such as the back, neck, and shoulders.
3. **Muscle Relaxation:** Cupping can help relax muscles and release tension, which may contribute to improved flexibility and range of motion.
4. **Detoxification:** Some proponents believe that cupping helps to release toxins from the body by increasing blood flow and promoting the lymphatic system's function. However, scientific evidence supporting significant detoxification effects is limited.
5. **Reduced Inflammation:** Cupping is said to help reduce inflammation by improving blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, although more research is needed to fully understand its impact on inflammation.
6. **Stress Reduction:** Like many alternative therapies, cupping is often used for relaxation and stress relief. The process itself can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
7. **Promotion of Healing:** Cupping is believed to stimulate the body's natural healing processes, aiding in the recovery from various ailments and injuries.
What is Gua Sha?
The GUA SHA is a tool that was used in Ancient China for therapeutic as well as aesthetic purposes. It has tremendous ability, when used correctly, to boost circulation and stimulate the dermis and the muscles underneath. This tool helps decrease broken capillaries, clears blockages, and helps to penetrate products into the layers of the skin while helping to calm and cool it. Our GUA SHA is high quality quartz and comes with a jute bag for storage. We recommend scraping using medium/hard pressure twice a day, starting with the center of the face and working outward toward the lymph nodes.
Experience cupping + gua sha with NŪR.