Cupping Q&A

What is Massage Cupping/Cupping?

Massage cupping/cupping is a modern adaptation of the ancient Chinese art of cupping therapy. Large glass cups are used on the back and legs as a unique way of applying myofascial techniques and deep tissue massage via negative static pressure. Cupping is also sometimes referred to as needless acupuncture.

How does cupping work?

Traditional cupping uses glass. To create a vacuum, a cotton ball is soaked in denatured alcohol via hemostat, then ignited and inserted into the cup, which will evacuate some air. The cotton ball is withdrawn and the cup is quickly placed on the skin drawing up the underlying tissues.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.

What is used for this technique?

Modern cupping techniques use glass, plastic or rubber cups attached to a suction device, or a compressible rubber bulb. Once suction is created, the practitioner slides the cup along a large body surface such as the back , thigh or glutes until softening of the muscle and connective tissue is observed. Or the cups may be placed stationary on certain acupoints, joints, muscles, meridians, etc. depending on clients needs. Pure fractionated coconut oil is used to help the cups glide smoothly. For clients with allergies or sensitivity a light cream or non petroleum jelly is used. This technique is known as massage cupping or "moving cups."

How does cupping feel? Is it painful?

Cupping clients usually report lasting changes for the better (especially with cumulative treatments). Cupping has a sedating effect on the nervous system, and many people find it profoundly relaxing. After a cupping treatment, clients typically report feelings of relief, muscular release, lightness, pleasant tingling, and freedom from pain and an increase in flexibility and muscular control. Contracted, tense and painful muscle tissue will soften quickly with just a few minutes of massage cupping.

Cupping is generally not painful. Some people who suffer from fibromyalgia or other chronic muscular disorders may feel minimal discomfort and should mention it immediately so adjustments can be made. Many people report that muscle tension and tenderness that was there prior to the session continues to improve for many hours after the session is completed and experience lasting results vs receiving a general massage.

Why should I try Massage Cupping?

Sometimes areas of tension or injury are simply too tense or tender to treat with certain therapeutic methods such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy or cross-fiber friction. Massage cupping is a gentle, non-invasive way to soften broad areas of tension so that more specific massage techniques can be comfortably applied. Massage cupping is especially effective for tightness of the iliotibial (IT) band, piriformis syndrome, digestive disorders, menstrual problems, carpal tunnel, tight hamstrings, chronic pain, tightness, and general muscle tightness.

What can I expect in a general session?

There are two main uses of cupping: stationary and in massage. Stationary cupping is used in TCM to clear stagnation of blood; to facilitate the release of pathogenic factors; and to dispel internal heat. Cups are placed on the skin and left for five to 20 minutes. Depending on the area of cupping needed anywhere from 4 to 12 cups may be applied and then removed cyclically in a technique called flash cupping or cups will be glided through out the body. Depending on your needs; both techniques may be used in 1 session. Both methods are commonly used for treating lung congestion and for removing heat from the body. Stationary cupping sometimes results in rings and circles on the back as toxins and blood moves to the surface.

What are the marks/discolorations?

In areas of tissue dysfunction, this technique may occasionally leave a temporary mark, called "sha." Sha resembles a bruise but is not painful. Traditional Chinese Medicine regards the appearance of sha as an indication that toxins and stagnation are being pulled to the surface of the body, restoring healthy qi and blood flow below. These are NOT bruises. Bruises are usually the result of trauma from impact which breaks blood vessels and allows blood to seep into the surrounding tissue. In contrast, cupping involves the application of suction. Once understood and the many positive results of cupping are experienced, any initial concerns about cupping discolorations disappear.

How long do the marks last?

If any discolorations surface these are temporary, typically ranging in color from light pink to dark purple and can last anywhere between a few hours to 10 days before gradually fading away entirely. Again, no pain or tenderness is typically felt following a cupping treatment, whether or not discolorations appear on the skin.

What do the marks indicate?

Traditional Chinese Medicine learning indicate that the marks result from dredging stagnation from within bodily tissues up closer to the surface of the skin, also helping to restore flow of energy and blood to the areas treated. This stagnation can include dead blood cells, old lymph fluid, and toxins that the body has not been able to eliminate via its circulatory system

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Cupping Q&A