Cupping Therapy
Cupping techniques used in remedial massage have been developed from cupping used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years to encourage internal healing and help alleviate deep muscular problems. Myofascial cupping is a modified version of the ancient Chinese style of cupping with the major difference being the targeting of the musculoskeletal system rather than treating specific internal disorders using meridian points, as in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Myofascial Cupping is a safe, non-invasive and painless technique for effective release of connective tissue or fascia (sheath enclosing the muscle) and muscle hyperirritability. It is also used for the treatment of trigger points, or knots, and the resultant muscular pain and spasm. This technique works quickly on muscles that are painful. Musclular pain occurs when the muscle has become stuck in a contracted position and traps waste products such as lactic acid into the muscle, thus resulting in pain. Cupping causes an intense stretch in the specific area of the muscle which increases blood flow to the area, flushing out lactic acid and bringing nutrients to repair the damage. |
How does it work?
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Cupping works by using suction and negative pressure (as opposed to the positive pressure of manual massage) to access the deeper layers of the muscle fascia. The pressure within the cups creates a vacuum and pulls the skin and muscle gently upwards which increases blood flow and reduces muscle compression.
The benefits of Cupping include:
The lifting action of the cups will also put a stretch on your muscle to treat myofascial trigger points (or knots), to return a muscle to its full length and elasticity, restoring power. |
What it involves
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Different types of cups can be used; soft rubber cups, plastic cups or glass cups. The cup is positioned over the area of the body to be treated and suction is created using a vacuum pump (for plastic cups) or flame (for glass cups).
Two primary techniques can be applied – stationary cupping or slide cupping (gliding, moving, or ”massage cups"). Stationary cups are placed on the skin and left for a period of five to fifteen minutes. The skin becomes reddened due to the increase of blood flow. Stationary cupping creates a long, slow, sustained stretch which can alter tight fascia. With slide cupping, before applying the cup the therapist will administer plenty of oil or lotion, to facilitate smooth movement of the cups along the skin. Gliding or sliding cupping has a stretching and rippling effect on the fascia surrounding a tight muscle. The entire back may be treated, including the neck, shoulders, middle and lower back, and sacral area. The hip and thigh areas may also be treated. These different techniques may result in improved blood flow, lengthened muscle and more mobility and range of movement. Cupping may leave marks/discoloration; this is not a bruise and will dissipate anywhere between a few hours and a few days. It’s just an added bonus indicating intense stagnation of body fluid and toxins in the area. It is also unlikely that it will reoccur in the same area. |
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