What Is Cupping?

You can only imagine where my mind went when this was suggested

Recently, I vacationed in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa with my youngest child. What an incredible time we had. I’d highly recommend the place as it is well-located, extremely hospitable, provides a soothing atmosphere and seems to attract really nice families and guests — something that speaks to the particular vibe that they put out in my opinion.

While there, the two of us spent our days doing everything and nothing. Part of my “everything” was arranging a massage for me at the Agave spa on the premises. “Looking forward to it” was an understatement and so was how incredibly relaxing and exhilarating that massage ended up being.

Walking into my appointment, expecting the normal therapeutic pursuit, I was offered a number of add-ons to my massage that I had not expected. As I glanced at the list, an option jumped out at me that I had never heard of before. So I asked, “What is cupping?”

The woman standing behind me immediately answered my question, launching into an entire description of what cupping is and what it would ultimately do for me. She was so enthusiastic about the process that I couldn’t say “No.” So I agreed to be cupped (which isn’t a sister to ‘being spooned’ to any degree, I came to learn, thankfully. I’d have to decline if it was).

Cupping — short for Cupping Therapy — is an ancient alternative medicine practice carried out throughout Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. It uses cups to create suction (sometimes further enhanced by water or fire) to heal medical conditions including fevers, chronic low back pain, poor appetite, indigestion, high blood pressure, acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, anemia, stroke rehabilitation, nasal congestion, infertility, and menstrual period cramping. The removal of blockages and toxins through the suctioning across your body is the premise.

Whether or not it works? Well, there is no scientific evidence that it does but from what this woman told me, not to mention all that I have read, many people swear by it. Mind over matter? Could be but the “mind” is a powerful thing and in many cases as real as real can get.

From what I experienced of cupping, it definitely woke my body up and added stimulation to my massage beyond what I had ever expected. I felt an odd tickling sensation that surprised me at first, then gradually transitioned into a comfortable, repetitive pulling. Frankly, I really liked it and would definitely do it again in the form that I received. Be aware that certain “cupping” practitioners include the “cutting or piercing of skin” beyond just the suction applied. To that same end, some who perform the practice leave circular, suction-like bruises on their clients too. This didn’t happen in my case, thankfully, as I didn’t even know to ask that question. You, however, do now so ask beforehand what to expect prior to being cupped.

In the end, my cupping experience was undoubtedly positive and extremely enjoyable — worth writing about, obviously. So if you are like me and didn’t know what cupping was prior to this article, now you do. It is definitely one for the books in my travel experience, one I will always associate with my vacation at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, for certain.