Cupping Therapy
A valuable addition to any massage session
Cupping, also known as negative pressure, can be incredibly beneficial in helping create space in otherwise compacted tissue, and revitalizing stagnant energy. While massage is effective in compressing and loosening muscle, cupping is effective in lifting and loosening fascia. I use both static and gliding methods in my practice.
Static Cupping
Static cupping is the placement of rigid cups on strategically chosen locations on the body and then creating a vacuum within those cups. This results in a lifting of skin, fascia, muscle, and adipose tissue into the cup. This creates space and stimulates blood flow and cellular activity in the area beneath the cup. The vacuum is tailored to client’s comfort level, and most find the sessions very sedative both during and afterwards. An increase in range of motion and a decrease in pain are also common outcomes.
Gliding Cupping
Gliding cupping, or cupping massage, uses soft, silicone cups. A slight vacuum is created by squeezing, then applying the cups to oiled skin. Once applied, the cups are moved around in long, gliding or circular motions in a negative pressure massage. Unlike static cupping, gliding cupping does not leave circular marks on the skin. The skin will pink up with the increased blood flow during the session, and quickly return to its usual color shortly afterwards.
Add cupping to your session and give it a try.