How Does Cupping Therapy Work?
Cupping massage is used in combination with other massage techniques. Discussion and assessment will help customize a treatment program for you.
Cupping is a technique whereby a vacuum is created in a cup, drawing the skin up into the cup and separating the layers of skin, muscle and fascia. The suction draws the blood to the level of the skin, creating a vacuum below the skin, mechanically separating the tissue layers which destroys old blood vessels and creates new ones. Client will most likely be left with a mark from the cupping that will look like a bruise but it isn’t. No breaks in the skin are created and it is a perfectly safe and sterile procedure. Blood is drawn between the skin layers and can last for up to two weeks.
The suction and negative pressure of the cups rapidly provides rigid soft tissue release by loosening and lifting connective tissue. This release of tissue breaks up and drains stagnant tissue fluid while increasing blood flow and lymph flow to the skin and muscles. The pulling action of the cups also engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which allows for deep relaxation of the mind and body.
What Is the Explanation Of The Marks Or Discolorations That Sometimes Occur As A Result From Cupping Therapy?
One of the common and unfortunate misconceptions of cupping is that it causes bruising. This is false. A bruise is caused by trauma in which there is breakage of the capillaries. There is no compression in cupping therapy and therefore no bruise. The discolorations are more like a hickey. When a condition exists where sufficient pathologic factors and stagnant fluids a represent and a vacuum is applied to the area, a discoloration will appear on the skin as the stagnation is brought up to the surface. This is the therapeutically desired effect. Healthy tissue does not discolor. Massage cupping is not an irritant to the skin or body. It draws the inflammation out,it does not add to it.
The Effects of Cupping Therapy
Reduces pain from muscle spasm, cramps, and tightness
Reduces pain by breaking up adhesions and chronic scar tissue and loosens layers of tissue
Increases range of motion of joints in the area and reduces stiffness
Increases the function of sebaceous and sweat glands allowing the skin to breath
Brings fresh blood to the muscles
Has effects on the nervous system which allows relaxation and reduces stress
Accelerates healing of injured muscles
There are Other Forms of Cupping
Fire cupping – Heat is used to create the vacuum inside the cups.
Wet cupping – This is a type of cupping where the practitioner draws blood into the cups.
When one Googles cupping, many of the images presented are of wet cupping. This result will not happen with cupping therapy/massage.