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WHAT IS CUPPING

Cupping has been used for thousands of years. Cups apply a suction or vacuum force against the skin and with this vacuum force pull the muscle with the skin. This vacuum effect creates a pulling action which allows for the separation of fused or adhered tissue. The separation of these fused or adhered tissues allow for increased blood flow and oxygen to reach the tissues. This increased blood flow relieves pain and releases tension deep within the muscle. Cupping is also very useful in facilitating the flow of lymphatic fluid and can assist in reducing inflammation and swelling. 

BENEFITS OF CUPPING

• Cups encourage circulation
• Alleviation of muscle/tissue adhesions
• Help clear congestion and stagnation
• Cups can lift, rehydrate and manipulate fascia which increases flexibility and muscle pliability 
• Cups encourage the development of healthy blood vessels
• Cups help alleviate excessive pressure on sensory organs in soft tissue, which leads to a reduction in pain
• Cups generate a continuous movement of fluid within the layers of soft tissue
• Relieves inflammation 
• Promotes relaxation 

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A CUPPING SESSION 

Cups are an adjunctive therapy that are used during a therapeutic massage if the client desires this therapy. The therapist may suggest the use of cups in cases where tissues are tightly bound or areas where the client states s/he feels tension or pain. When the cup is applied the client will feel the suction of the tissue into the cup. This is typically an unfamiliar sensation but should not be painful. The cups are left in place for no longer than 1-2 minutes. The cups may be left in one place or the therapist may slide the cup along the tissue where there is a large area of tension or "knotted" tissue.

After the session, the client may notice areas of darker tissue. This darker coloration is due to the increased blood and fluid movement that was created through the tissue during the cupping application. The area of darker tissue may last for a few days after the cupping therapy is applied and will gradually decrease.