Cupping/Guasha/Scraping

At Upgrade PDX, our Medical Clinic in Portland, OR, we integrate time-honored healing practices with modern wellness solutions to help you achieve your optimal health. We are delighted to offer a range of therapeutic treatments, including Cupping, Gua Sha, and Scraping. These ancient techniques are renowned for their effectiveness in enhancing circulation, reducing pain, and promoting overall well-being.

What is Cupping Therapy in Portland, Oregon?

Cupping therapy is a traditional healing technique that involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. This suction effect is achieved using either heat or mechanical pumps. Cupping has been used for thousands of years in various cultures, including Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern medicine, for its remarkable benefits in treating a range of conditions.

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How Cupping Therapy Works

Suction Effect	Stimulation of Circulation
The cups create a vacuum on the skin, which pulls the underlying tissues upwards. This suction effect increases blood flow to the treated area, promoting the removal of toxins and facilitating the body’s natural healing processes.	By drawing blood to the surface, cupping enhances circulation and helps to relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.

Benefits of Cupping Therapy

Pain Relief: Effective for relieving back pain, neck pain, and muscle soreness by increasing blood flow and reducing muscle tension.
Improved Circulation: Enhances blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which aids in the removal of metabolic waste and supports overall health.
Reduction of Inflammation: Helps to decrease inflammation and promote faster recovery from injuries or chronic conditions.
Detoxification: Assists in removing toxins from the body by drawing them out through the skin.

What is Gua Sha in Portland, Oregon?

Gua Sha is a traditional East Asian technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool, typically made of jade, quartz, or other materials. This practice has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to promote healing and improve health.

How Gua Sha Works

Scraping Motion	Increased Blood Flow
A Gua Sha tool is used to scrape the skin in a specific manner, usually with moderate pressure. This action stimulates the underlying tissues and promotes blood flow.	The scraping technique causes micro-trauma to the skin, which increases blood circulation and stimulates the body’s healing response.

Benefits of Gua Sha

Relief of Muscle Tension: Effective in reducing muscle stiffness and tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Improved Circulation: Promotes better blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can help with the elimination of toxins and support overall wellness.
Reduction of Inflammation: Helps to alleviate inflammation and pain associated with conditions such as arthritis and chronic muscle pain.
Enhancement of Skin Health: Improves skin tone and texture by stimulating circulation and promoting collagen production.

BioBlade:
An advanced mechanical myofascial tool designed to combine the benefits of manual “scaping” release with powered vibrational massage. This tool allows for deeper therapy, enhanced recovery and myofascial release.

What is Scraping Therapy in Portland, Oregon?

Scraping therapy is a broad term that encompasses various techniques used to stimulate the skin and underlying tissues through the application of mechanical force. It includes practices like Gua Sha and other scraping methods that utilize different tools and techniques.

How Scraping Therapy Works

Application of Pressure	Facilitation of Healing
Similar to Gua Sha, scraping therapy involves using tools to apply controlled pressure to the skin, creating friction and stimulating the underlying tissues.	The scraping motion encourages increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which supports the body’s natural healing processes and promotes overall wellness.

Benefits of Scraping Therapy

Pain and Tension Relief: Helps to relieve muscle pain and tension by increasing blood flow and reducing stiffness.
Detoxification: Assists in flushing out toxins and metabolic waste from the body, supporting detoxification and improved health.
Enhanced Flexibility: Can improve range of motion and flexibility by addressing muscle tightness and promoting relaxation.
Skin Health Improvement: Supports better skin health by stimulating circulation and encouraging the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

What to Expect During a Cupping, Gua Sha, or Scraping Session in Portland, Oregon

At Upgrade PDX, our goal is to ensure that you have a comfortable and rejuvenating experience. Here’s what you can expect during your session:

Consultation:
Before your treatment, you will have a thorough consultation with one of our skilled practitioners. We will discuss your health history, current symptoms, and wellness goals to determine the most appropriate technique and approach for your needs.

Preparation:
For cupping, the practitioner will apply a small amount of oil or lotion to the skin to facilitate the cup’s placement and suction. For Gua Sha or Scraping, the skin may be prepared with a light application of oil to enhance the scraping motion.

Treatment:

Cupping: The practitioner will place cups on specific areas of the body and create suction. You may feel a mild pulling sensation, but the treatment is generally comfortable.
Gua Sha: The practitioner will use a Gua Sha tool to scrape the skin in a specific pattern, applying moderate pressure to stimulate the underlying tissues.
Scraping: Depending on the technique used, the practitioner will apply controlled pressure and scraping motions to the skin to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.

Post-Treatment Care
After the session, you may experience temporary redness or mild bruising in the treated areas, which typically resolves within a few days. The practitioner will provide guidance on any post-treatment care and recommend follow-up sessions if needed.

Conclusion

Experience the transformative benefits of Cupping, Gua Sha, and Scraping at Upgrade PDX. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward revitalizing your health and achieving your wellness goals. Let us help you embrace the healing power of these ancient techniques and enhance your journey to optimal well-being.

Cupping therapy is generally not painful. You may feel a mild pulling or suction sensation during the treatment, which many people find relaxing. Temporary redness or mild bruising may appear afterward, but these effects typically fade within a few days.

The number of sessions depends on your individual needs and health goals. Some people notice immediate relief after one session, while others may benefit from a series of treatments to achieve optimal results. Your practitioner will recommend a customized plan based on your condition and objectives.

To find out more about the healthcare services we offer at MediPro Pain & Performance, Beaverton, OR, call (503) 828-9265 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 17933 NW Evergreen Place, Ste 285, Beaverton, OR 97006.

Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.