What is Cupping?
Cupping is a modality used in Massage Therapy to manipulate muscles and fascia to work better within the body. Cupping is a technique that uses suction of silicone or plastic cups to pull the skin, separating and realigning the layers of superficial fascia. There are multiple health benefits with incorporating cupping into your massage treatments. Some benefits include improving range of motion, immune functions and detoxification, circulatory response and overall health of the body.
Many athletes, such as Michael Phelps and Roberto Osuna from the Toronto Blue Jays, use cupping therapy to improve their overall performance. Cupping is a natural way to reduce muscle cramping and stiffness, scar tissue, and joint restrictions.
How Cupping is Done?
The therapist will place the cups one by one in a pattern on the body depending on the reason the client is seeking treatment. The suction ranges from 1-2 pumps (light) to 3-5 pumps (aggressive), depending on the comfort level of the client. Stationary cupping is when the cup is placed on the body and left in place for a certain amount of time. There isn’t a certain amount of time that a cup is left on the body, it depends on how quickly the blood and toxins are drawn to the area. Cupping can be placed on the body for 5-20 minutes. The cup can be moved over the skin to create the same effect as skin rolling. Movement of the cup can also be used to warm up the tissue to start the treatment.
What’s Up with the Marks?
People always wonder about the markings that cupping can leave on the body. It may look like a bruise, but it’s not. A bruise is a contusion which is from an impact. They are thought to be caused by the release of dead static blood, lymph, pathogens and toxins that are pulled towards the skin’s surface. The markings you see depend on the level of stagnation in the area, and the colour can range from pink to dark purple. They may not be visible until 24-48 hours post treatment, and can last for 1-8 days. The colouration will appear lighter the more frequent the treatments because the fascia will become easier to manipulate. The use of arnica cream or other homeopathic anti-inflammatory cream may take away the colour and increase the healing process.
RMT Krystal McLean can now incorporate cupping into your massage treatment. Ask Krystal at your next visit if you’re eligible to receive a cupping treatment!
Leave a Reply