Before, During & After Information
What does the Therapy Involve
The therapy is a 3-step process.
What are the Steps
- creating suction using suction cups
- making tiny superficial cuts (scratches) on the skin
- creating suction again using suction cups to draw out extravascular blood
Steps in Detail
- The cupping procedure starts by placing suction cups on the required areas of the skin for 3-7 minutes
- Cups are removed
- Anti-septic solution is applied on the cupping sites for 1 minute to kill off skin-dwelling microbes
- Tiny superficial cuts (scratches) are made on the skin using a sterile blade
- Cups are re-applied and repeat suction is employed. This in turn results in accumulation of blood inside the cups.
What Should I Do Before The Session?
- Fast for at least 3 hours before coming. You can have some fluids e.g. water but avoid caffeinated drinks e.g. green tea, black tea, coffee etc
- Ideally, have a shower before coming.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Bring shorts along if you have issues in the lower body e.g. knees, thighs, feet etc.
- Shave hair from site of bodily complaint
What Should I Do AFTER The Session?
Day 1 (First 24 Hours)
- Immediately post-session, I will take you to the business centre’s kitchen to get you a glass of cool honeyed water to help you restore your electrolytes.
- Avoid heavy meals and be on a light diet for the 24-hour timeline. This is to prevent a ‘steal’ of the circulation towards the stomach and away from the targeted cupping sites.
- Avoid showering for 8 hours. You can take a warm shower after 8 hours. This will preventing stinging and allow your skin to produce natural oils to aid in the healing process.
- Avoid physical activity that makes you sweat for 24 hours (you may get itchy if you do otherwise).
- Refrain from sexual activity for 24 hours.
- Gently apply antiseptic cream (Savlon or similar) on the suction sites on the day of treatment and after (I recommend getting the assistance of a friend or relative if you are unable to reach the cupping site yourself).
- Stay hydrated (drink plenty of water).
- Avoid sun exposure until cuts are healed.
- Don’t drink alcohol (for 3 days following treatment)
- Drinks lots of water.
Days 2-3
Apply any one of coconut oil, sesame seed oil, argan oil, black seed (Nigella sativa) oil or jujube to the suction sites in the days after. You may also continue applying antiseptic cream (Savlon) on the cupping sites if you wish to not apply any oils.
What Should I Eat After WCT?
Be on a light diet for 24 hours, especially the first 3 hours post treatment. Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals such B6, B9 and B29, iron and copper.
*I encourage people to make informed decisions about their health with respect to allergies, intolerances and genetic predisposition.
