Massage cupping is essentially the inverse of the typical massage therapy. Instead of exerting pressure on the different points of the body for healing, massage cupping uses suction to to tug the skin, tissues and muscles upwards. Massage cupping has been known to be used over the centuries by all cultures and the oldest records of traditional Chinese medicine talk about using the therapy to cure a range of ailments. In contemporary times, massage cupping is seen as an effective, non-invasive, inexpensive, and safe form of treatment that can be used by itself or in combination with other forms of therapeutic approaches.
How it Works?
When the therapist exerts suction on the different points on the body by way of massage suction, certain changes are brought about up to four inches inside the body. These changes stimulate the body to heal itself. Massage cupping results in:
- Promoting the flow of blood to the muscles and tissues, and removing stagnation
- Supplying oxygen and nutrients to the cells
- Softening the tightened muscles
- Loosening of adhesions and knots
- Lifting the connecting tissues
- Opening the blockages of the lymphatic nodes and easing the flow of lymph
- Releasing and draining of excess fluids and toxins like lactic acid from the tissues and cells
- Drawing inflammation from the deeper tissues to the surface of the skin so they can heal
- Stimulating and later, calming the peripheral nervous system
- Eliminating chronic congestion
Massage cupping can be used to treat ailments like stiff muscles, stress, migraines, fatigue and exhaustion, and back and neck pain. It can also be used in rheumatism, weight loss and cellulite reduction treatments. Muscles that have been injured, undergone trauma or exertion, accumulate lactic acid and other toxins. Massage cupping can be used to drain these toxins so the muscles can heal.
Effects of the Therapy
Massage cupping is a highly effective form of therapy because it allows the therapist to heal the deeper tissues in the body without causing any discomfort to the patient. Patients also report that the effects of the sessions last them for a good while. They also say that each consecutive session seems to enhance the healing of the previous one.
- Patients undergoing the treatment experience a deep warmth and tingling sensation in the tissues. They feel completely relaxed and many often slip into a deep sleep. Many therapists combine massage cupping with typical massages for better results.
- Massage cupping typically does not result in the discoloration of the skin for long periods. Some reddening of the skin is noticed and this shows that blood circulation is enhanced and is reaching the upper layers of the skin.
- If the patient does see some small marks, it shows that the congestion at that particular spot has been released.
- When treating cellulite, the therapist might first use a light suction to achieve drainage of the excess fluids. Next, a stronger suction is used to promote blood circulation and loosen the adhesions that cause the dimpling of the skin. If massage cupping can be applied before wrapping the thighs and hips, the treatment can be more effective.
After Therapy Care
After the session is completed, the therapist could apply a cold compress to relax the skin. If needed, essential oils, liniments, analgesics or plant hydrosols might also be applied. These salves work to promote the blood circulation to the particular sections and thus, nourish the muscles and tissues. They also help to clear away toxins and harmful fluids.
Aafiya Health Care Centre 