We have recently added the bodywork technique of cupping to our list of services. Several clients have asked what it actually is especially after it was brought to light by many athletes in Rio’s 2016 Olympics.
Cupping is the term applied to a technique that uses small glass jars as suction devices that are placed on the skin. There are many ways in which suction in the cups can be created. One method involves swabbing rubbing alcohol on to the bottom of the cup,then lighting it and putting the cup immediately against the skin. Flames are never used near the skin and are not lit throughout the process of cupping but are only a way to create heat that causes the suction within the small cups.
Once the suction has occurred the cups can be gently moved in a gliding motion across the skin. The suction in the cup causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. Cupping can be compared to an inverse of massage rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward. When combined with Massage Therapy, Cupping is a tremendously helpful technique for pain as well as many other conditions. In general, stagnation of circulation in the muscles and body tissues will lead to pain and illness. Cupping improves the circulation in these areas and pain is alleviated and underlying health issues are often relieved. Cupping helps such issues as pain, arthritis and other conditions such as asthma,insomnia,high blood pressure and more. Cups are usually left in place for about 10 minutes while you relax.
written by Rene Reynolds, massage therapist certified in cupping
Cupping is the term applied to a technique that uses small glass jars as suction devices that are placed on the skin. There are many ways in which suction in the cups can be created. One method involves swabbing rubbing alcohol on to the bottom of the cup,then lighting it and putting the cup immediately against the skin. Flames are never used near the skin and are not lit throughout the process of cupping but are only a way to create heat that causes the suction within the small cups.
Once the suction has occurred the cups can be gently moved in a gliding motion across the skin. The suction in the cup causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. Cupping can be compared to an inverse of massage rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward. When combined with Massage Therapy, Cupping is a tremendously helpful technique for pain as well as many other conditions. In general, stagnation of circulation in the muscles and body tissues will lead to pain and illness. Cupping improves the circulation in these areas and pain is alleviated and underlying health issues are often relieved. Cupping helps such issues as pain, arthritis and other conditions such as asthma,insomnia,high blood pressure and more. Cups are usually left in place for about 10 minutes while you relax.
written by Rene Reynolds, massage therapist certified in cupping
