Cupping with your Massage

What is Cupping Therapy? Cupping is an ancient Chinese method of causing local congestion. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place.

Cupping therapy has been further developed as a means to open the ‘Meridians’ of the body. Meridians are the conduits in the body through which energy flows to every part of the body and through every organ and tissue. There are five meridians on the back that, when opened, allow invigorating energy to travel the whole length of the body. It has been found that cupping is probably the best way of opening those meridians.

Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins.

During Cupping Therapy

Cupping is a mild vacuum is created inside ‘cups’, which are then placed on the skin to provide gentle suction. The vacuum effect of the cups creates suction that softens tissues and increases the circulation of qi, blood, and fluids. By stimulating the skin and underlying muscles, it helps release area-specific toxins that have accumulated and encourages circulation of both blood and lymph vessels.

Cupping can be used on the shoulders, back, sacral area, hip, abdomen, thigh, upper arms, calves, and in some cases even the soles of the feet, depending on the condition. The sensation of cupping is often characterized as deeply warm and relaxing. Many people find it profoundly relaxing. It releases rigid soft tissue and stubborn knots. Contracted, tense and painful muscle tissue will soften quickly with just a few minutes of cupping.

Cupping Therapy has been used for historically not only in China, but also the Middle East, Greece and Russia. Its use is now quite widespread

Side-effects:Visible marks

Some people have described these as looking as though you have marks that look similar to ‘love-bites’ and are circular or, in the case of massage cupping, ‘streaky’. People can respond quite differently so it is hard to say how prominent they will be.

These marks disappear within 2 – 10 days, and with in some cases will barely be present at all.

The amount, intensity and duration of coloration is important and should be observed. Bright red is healthy and will usually disappear very quickly.

Darker Red and Purpley colors indicate Stagnation or Excess conditions in the client, and the treatment should be repeated along with other therapy (eg. exercise therapies, diet and lifestyle changes as required).