Cupping Therapy

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is a massage modality originating in traditional Chinese medicine and is intended to increase blood flow as well as promote healing and relaxation. Cupping is commonly used as a treatment to relieve back and neck pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue and migraines headaches. Massage cupping is also used to drain excess fluids and toxins; stimulate the peripheral nervous system; bring blood flow to stagnant muscles and skin; and loosen adhesions, connective tissue and stubborn knots in soft tissue.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is like the inverse of massage - rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle suction to pull them upward. Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available, as it is believed to affect tissues up to 4 inches in depth from the external skin.

How is Cupping Therapy performed?

There are two main cupping techniques: stationary and moving. The stationary method is where the cups are placed on the skin, suction is applied and the cups are left in position for a period of 5 to15 minutes.

The moving technique, often referred to as (gliding cupping) is the more commonly used form of cupping used by massage therapists. Prior to applying the cups, oil is administered to the skin to facilitate smooth movement. The cups are gently moved across the skin in a continuous motion and the suction in the cups causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. A cup may be "parked" for a short time on stubborn knots or over inflamed joints or tissue.

The skin will redden with strong massage cupping, indicating that circulation has been brought to the surface. The increased local blood supply will nourish the muscles and skin and allow toxins to be carried away.

What to expect after the Cupping Therapy session

After a cupping session you may notice redness and or a purple discolouration of the skin in the areas that were treated. This is a normal side effect of cupping and is considered to be a desirable outcome by the therapist. It is generally not be painful, despite looking much like a bruise, and should disappear within a few days.

Because the pores are now opened fully, the body is more susceptible to pathogenic influences after this procedure and you should keep your body covered and protected from wind and sunlight for 24 hours.