How Is Cupping Accomplished?
Cupping Therapy
The modern world of healing has embraced another wonderful ancient technique that has powerful results. Massage
cupping is a modified version of "cupping therapy," which has been used extensively in Chinese medicine for several
thousand years. By creating suction and negative pressure, massage cupping is used to drain excess
fluids and toxins; stimulate the peripheral nervous system; bring blood flow to stagnant muscles and
skin; and loosen adhesions, connective tissue and stubborn knots in soft tissue.
There are two main cupping techniques: stationary and moving. Stationary cups are placed on the skin and left for
a period of five to 15 minutes in one location, or four to six cups may be applied and removed cyclically in a
technique called "flash cupping." These are the methods most commonly used in Chinese medicine. Moving
cups (or "massage cupping") is the more commonly used form of cupping among massage therapists and other
health care practitioners.
Prior to applying the cup, oil is administered to the skin to facilitate smooth movement and palpably discover the
areas of tension and congestion. Create the vacuum and place the cup on the affected area, then glide it over the
surface. A cup may be "parked" for a short time on stubborn knots or over inflamed joints or tissue. Cupping can be
used on the neck, shoulders, back, sacral area, hip, abdomen, thigh, upper arms and calves.
The sensation of cupping is often characterized as deep warmth and tingling, long after the treatment has ended.
Cupping is not an irritant to the skin or body. It draws the inflammation out yet does not add to it, and is excellent
when used as a contrast therapy with cold compresses or liniments. Massage cupping is often used on the broad
areas of the back, which is a wonderful addition to any massage.
The treatment is sedating, and people will often descend into a profound state of relaxation. (A deep snore is
common!) Larger cups may be used on the back; the strong vacuum will mimic the rolling action of deep tissue
massage without the discomfort. The movement may be long and draining, or circular and stimulating, for stubborn
knots and areas of rigid tissue.
The skin will redden with strong massage cupping, indicating that circulation has been brought to the surface.
Application of liniments, analgesics, plant hydrosols or essential oils immediately following a cupping treatment will
aid absorption deep into the tissue. The increased local blood supply will nourish the muscles and skin and allow
toxins to be carried away.
Massage cupping is also effective in treating cellulite. A light suction provides drainage, while heavier application
can be used to stimulate circulation and loosen adhesions or "dimpling." The thigh and hip region should be treated
prior to a wrapping procedure to enhance the absorption of product.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this technique is the subtle nuance of the movements. Creativity provides a
variety of methods, and alteration of pressure and speed produces different sensations. For example, the edge of
the cup can be used to "scoop" in a cross-fiber movement, while vigorous circles feel marvelous on the hips, thighs
and shoulders. Long strokes down the sides of the spine and along the ribs provide ease to rib cage expansion and
breathing.
Stubborn neck tension is soothed using a slow, deep approach with small cups. This is not a technique with
limitations - its applications are endless. Clients have often reported that the massage cupping experience stayed
with them longer than other treatments and that results are cumulative with consistent sessions. Massage cupping
therapy is also easier on the practitioner because it enables the therapist to go deeper without discomfort to the
client or themselves.