Everyone reacts to cupping a little bit differently, so it's important to give your body a chance to recuperate after the experience. Some patients feel ready to run a marathon while others may experience fatigue, soreness, or even mild headaches. Either way, please take note of the following:

• Keep the cupped area covered, warm, and free from any drafts following your treatment. Cupping opens the surface of the body, therefore temperature extremes (especially cold or wind) can trigger the muscles to go into spasm or tighten up. You need to be sure to keep the area protected and avoid activities such as hot tubs or cold showers. Warm baths are acceptable if you can avoid leaning back into the tub where the area may be put up against cold ceramic.

• Drink plenty of water! Since toxins have been released back into your system, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to help your body flush them out.

• Eat something- To avoid nausea, make sure you have something in your stomach to absorb any toxins that are looking for a way out of your body.

• Raised cupping marks- Sometimes the cupping marks will swell a little, leaving a raised cupping mark. This can last for several hours. You can ice the area and/or treat it with arnica.

• Over-the-counter pain relief medication such as Advil in small doses is generally acceptable to manage any lasting discomfort or to reduce swelling. (always use as directed and not on an empty stomach)

• Take it easy! Healing happens in the quiet moments we create; so avoid strenuous activity. Give yourself permission to take down time to recuperate.

• Cupping Marks- It is natural for cupping marks to take a full week to fade. It can sometimes take up to two weeks depending on the efficiency of your circulatory system. Remember, the cupping marks are not bruising. It is actually stagnant blood that has been sitting in your muscle, unable to circulate! Now that it has been pulled to the surface, your body knows what to do to clear it all up.

• Skin Breakage- On the rare occasion that the cupping causes a small break in the skin (typically because of undetected cut or acne), be sure to keep the are clean and sanitized until fully healed to prevent infection.

• Blisters-on occasion, cupping can produce tiny blisters. This can happen with clients who have very sensitive skin or an excess build up of toxins in the body that are subsequently released during the cupping therapy. Be sure to keep the area clean and sanitized until fully healed to prevent infection.

• Avoid Hot showers, baths, saunas, hot tubs and aggressive exercise for 4-6 hours after the treatment.

• Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol- I understand that I should avoid caffeine, and alcohol for at least 4 hours after a treatment.