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 MASSAGE CUPPING

 

Demonstrating massage cupping equipment

A massage cup allows for a vacuum seal whereby the tissue can be picked up and moved gently. This method is an excellent way to perform lymphatic drainage massage.

Cupping the iliotibial band is great for runners and long distance athletes

Releasing the ITB, iliotibial band, is one of the most difficult tasks for massage therapists and physical therapists alike. Cupping greatly enhances results as it picks up the ITB

A visual of a "cup kiss"

a cup kiss is a mark left behind after a treatment where greater suction is used.

 

Massage cupping releases rigid soft tissue and drains excess fluid and toxins by using suction and negative pressure.  Cupping loosens adhesions, lifts connective tissue, and brings blood flow to stagnant skin and muscles.

Numerous conditions respond beautifully to massage cupping, including fibromyalgia, anxiety, insomnia, post-injury trauma, chronic pain, post-surgery adhesions, cellulite and sluggish colon.

Massage cupping creates a strong vacuum that will mimic the rolling action of deep-tissue massage without the discomfort. The movement may be long and intended to drain fluid, or circular and stimulating for stubborn knots and areas of rigid tissue. The skin will turn red with strong massage cupping, indicating that circulation has been brought to the surface.

Cups also may be ?parked?on the skin and left for 1 to 15 minutes. This stationary cupping can  sometimes result in rings and circles on the back as toxins and blood move to the surface to be eliminated via the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

These rings, or ?cup kisses?, do not cause any discomfort but appear in a dark circular ring pattern. The ?cup kisses? will fade as the toxins and blood pulled from within the muscles are flushed out of the system. Drinking water greatly facilitates the removal of these waste products from your system. On average ?cup kisses? will remain for 1 to 4 days after a treatment. Generally ?cup kisses? will only be experienced during the first few treatments.