What is Cupping?
By creating suction and negative pressure, cupping therapy is used to soften tight muscles and tone attachments, loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue bring hydration and blood flow to body tissues, and drain excess fluids and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways. Cupping is versatile and can be modified to accomplish a range of techniques from lymphatic drainage to deep tissue release.
Cupping wakes the body up and makes it feel invigorated, at the same time producing a profound level of healing through the nervous system sedation. It stimulates the skin by increasing circulation while separating fused tissue layers and draining lymph to promote a smooth appearance, and healthy glow. It works deeper by loosening adhesions, facilitating the muscles to operate more independently and stimulating healthy elimination of accumulated debris in the tissues, organs and systems. Cupping therapy awakens the bodies ability to heal itself.
Brief interview by Massage Magazine of Sonia Morton, my instructor from ICTA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3JGkpFar6M
History of Cupping
Cupping developed over time from the original use of hollowed animal horns to drain toxins out of snakebites and skin lesions. Horns evolved into bamboo cups, which were eventually replaced by cultures that employed cupping as a health care technique. The true origin of cupping therapy remains in obscurity.
The Chinese expanded the utilization to include use in surgery to divert blood flow from the surgery site. Cupping eventually developed into a separate therapy, treating a variety of conditions. Early written records date back from 28 AD and a traditional Chinese saying indicates “acupuncture and cupping, more than half the ills cured.” Chinese medicine observes that cupping dispels stagnation of Blood and Chi, along with external pathogenic factors that invade a weakened constitution.
The Egyptians produced a text on ancient medicine that discussed the use of cupping for conditions such as fever, pain, vertigo, menstruation imbalances, weakened appetite and accelerating the “healing crisis” of disease. From the Egyptians, cupping was introduced to the Greeks and eventually spread to ancient cultures in many counties of Europe and even the Americas. In recent history, European and American doctors widely used cupping in practice into the late 1800’s. Research papers were written in the 19th century, and a collaborative effort between the former Soviet Union and China confirmed the clinical efficacy of cupping therapy. It became an official therapy to be found in all Chinese hospitals.
With this rich history of medical application, how does Cupping Therapy fit into today’s health and spa industries?
Cupping techniques are an incredible addition to energy and bodywork therapy, physical therapy, facials and body treatments. The action on the nervous system is sedating, and people often descend into a profound state of relaxation. On a deeper therapeutic level, Cupping therapy is very beneficial for many conditions such as high blood pressure, anxiety, fatigue, chronic headache, fibromyalgia, neuralgia and cellulite. Contracted, congested muscle tissue will soften quickly with only a few minutes of Cupping Therapy.
Types of Cups I Use
Baguanfa Silicone Cups
Uses: Dynamic cupping, Massage Cupping, Pedi-Cupping, Thai Massage Cupping.
These are versitile cups that can be used on all areas of the body (except the face) and should only be used by a trained Cupping Therapist. They are amazing at stretching and lifting the tissue, but are made to be able to stay on while the body is in motion. Why is it important that the cups stay in place with motion? Well, this allows for a deeper pin and stretch for the muscles and tissues surrounding the muscles. Great with Plantar Fascitis and Frozen Shoulder.
KhangZhu Cupping Set
Uses: Dynamic Cupping, Traditional Cupping, Biomagnetic Cupping, Cupping for Cellulite, Lymphatic Drainage, Abdominal Cupping... etc.
Cleverly designed to incorporate multiple traditional therapies producing remarkable results! They have the same uses as the traditional glass cups, only there is no need for fire, making the massage room a safer environment. They work wonderfully to help reduce and practically elimintae Cellulite! And, when used on the abdominal (stomach) helps the digestive system to work more efficiently.
Earthspa Bells & Belletasse Sets
Uses: Cupping for the Neck and Face
These hand blown glass cupping sets are made specificallyly for facial and neck work. They create a smooth feel and the bulb helps to create the right amount of suction for the delicate tissue of the face and neck. How wonderful to be able to get a chemical free face lift? Weekly or bi-weekly treatments can help to eliminate wrinkles and lines and help you look years younger without the use of harsh chemicals or peels.
Warning: These are best used by a trained professional who understands the delicacy of facial tissue and the veins and nerves of the face and neck.
For a detailed description of Individual treatments go to the Treatment Description Page.
Benefits of Cupping
Headaches
Arthritis
Intercostal Neuralgia
Sciatic
Dermatological Disorders such as pigmentation imbalance
Depression
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Anxiety & insomnia
Post-injury trauma
Post-surgery adhesions
Musculo-skeletal problems: pain, spasms, cramps, tightness, numbness, stiffness of the back and neck
Vertigo
Activates the skin, clears stretch marks and wrinkles
Contraindications (reasons not to receive cupping therapy or to seek doctor approval)
Cupping is contraindicated in cases of severe diseases, such as cardiac failure, renal failure, ascites due to hepato-cirrhosis and severe edema, as well as hemorrhagic diseases such as allergic pupura, hemophilia and leukemia, and clients with dermatosis, destruction of skin, or allergic dermatitis.
Cupping should not be applied on an area where a hernia exists or has occurred in the past.
For pregnant women, work on the lower abdomen, inner side of the leg and sacral (tail bone) region should be avoided. Also, if you have never received a cupping treatment, you should wait until the 2nd trimester to receive your first treatment.
If you are unsure whether or not a condition you have may be contraindicated, please first consult your doctor.
Other contraindications:
broken bones
dislocations
slipped disks
those undergoing cancer treatments such as radiation (check with Doctor)
sunburn
ruptured, ulcerated, inflamed skin
Fever- you will be sent home
DEHYDRATION- Will not use cupping but massage if fine.
Bleeding disorders
Acute stages of Psoriasis, Eczema, or Rosacea
Warnings:
Cupping Therapy affects the body the same as a deep tissue massage. You may experience Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness that will be akin to a long hard workout. However, the feel of cupping is not as intense as deep tissue massage. Thanks to the nature of negative pressure therapy, the work is deep without being painful although occasionally it can be uncomfortable. Remember to check in with your therapist to make sure the therapy is within your personal comfort level.
If you are on blood thinners, are a hemophiliac, diabetic, or have high or low blood pressure, shorter, lighter techniques are recommended and must be used for your overall wellness. Those with low blood pressure should warn the therapist ahead of time as you'll need extra time to rest before rising after a treatment and accommodations will need to be made.
You must sign a release form to receive cupping therapy. I ask that you read it before booking an appointment.
For continuing information and updates please follow my Instagram at marthabinzlmtcct #cuppingandyou
I am a Certified Cupping Therapist and a member of the:
