Cupping & Gua Sha Therapy
Release Tension. Increase Circulation. Promote Healing.
Cupping and Gua Sha are time-tested therapies from Traditional Chinese Medicine that help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore balance in the body. Both treatments stimulate circulation, release muscle tightness, and encourage detoxification—making them powerful tools for both recovery and overall wellness.
How Cupping Works
Cupping uses special cups placed on the skin to create gentle suction. This suction:
- Increases blood flow to the targeted area
- Releases fascia and connective tissue restrictions
- Draws out metabolic waste and promotes detoxification
- Relieves tight muscles and reduces inflammation
How Gua Sha Works
- Gua Sha involves using a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape the skin in long strokes. This process:
- Stimulates circulation and lymphatic flow
- Breaks up fascial adhesions and tension
- Helps release toxins stored in tissues
- Encourages the body’s natural healing response
Benefits of Cupping & Gua Sha
- Reduces chronic muscle tightness and soreness
- Relieves pain in the back, neck, and shoulders
- Improves mobility and flexibility
- Speeds recovery from sports training and injuries
- Eases tension headaches and migraines
- Supports immune function and detoxification
- Promotes relaxation and stress relief
Conditions Cupping & Gua Sha Can Help With
- Muscle tension, stiffness, and pain
- Sports recovery and injury rehabilitation
- Stress and tension headaches
- Neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Respiratory congestion (colds, asthma, bronchitis)
- Limited mobility from tight fascia or connective tissue
What to Expect During Treatment
- Consultation – We discuss your symptoms, health history, and goals.
- Cupping Session – Cups are placed on targeted areas for several minutes to stimulate circulation and release tension.
- Gua Sha Session – Gentle scraping is performed on the skin’s surface to break up tightness and improve blood flow.
- Recovery – Temporary redness or circular marks are common and usually fade within a few days. Patients often feel looser, lighter, and more relaxed immediately after treatment.
FAQ
No. The circular marks left by cupping are not bruises—they’re painless and typically fade within 3–7 days.
Gua Sha is generally well tolerated. You may feel pressure during the treatment, and mild redness is normal, indicating increased circulation.
Some people feel relief after one session, while chronic conditions may benefit from weekly or monthly treatments.
Yes. These therapies often enhance each other and can be used together for deeper healing.
Patients with bleeding disorders or those on blood-thinning medications should discuss safety with their provider before treatment.
Have More Questions?
Why Choose South Mountain Movement & Wellness for Cupping & Gua Sha?
Our integrative setting, right here in Laveen and South Mountain, combines medical expertise with a full wellness environment, making it easy to pair your treatment with fitness, recovery, and nutrition support — all under one roof.
We don’t just target symptoms—we use cupping and Gua Sha as part of a larger wellness plan to restore overall balance.Athletes and active individuals benefit from faster recovery and reduced soreness when cupping and Gua Sha are combined with other therapies.