This article will explain what cupping therapy is and how it can enhance your massage experience.
What is cupping therapy?
There are two types of cupping used during a massage - gliding cupping and stationary cupping. For gliding cupping, a silicone cup is suctioned to your back and moved around the muscles, including the small muscles around the spine. This process feels a bit like a vacuum, as it lifts up fascia surrounding the muscles to bring new blood into areas where it has been stagnating. Next, stationary cups, plastic cups that use suction to lift up fascia and muscles are strategically placed on the body to remove toxins, target trigger points and increase blood flow. These cups will remain on for 5-10 minutes while your therapist works on other areas of the body. Although these cups are small, they provide the same, if not more pressure than that of a deep tissue massage.
What are the benefits of cupping therapy?
1. Increase in circulation
2. Increase in joint range of motion
3. Reduction in muscle tension
4. Increase in lymphatic drainage
5. Increase in mobility of connective tissue
Some of the most common issues addressed with cupping therapy include: muscle pain and discomfort, fibromyalgia, migraines, repetitive stress injuries, pre and post-operative conditions, poor circulation, digestive issues, asthma and many more.
Are there any side effects of cupping therapy?
While there are very few side effects from cupping, you will notice that cupping will leave red or purple, which can last for up to ten days after your treatment. These marks are caused by the recirculated blood being brought to the body part. These are not bruises and will not be painful to touch. However, you may experience some soreness, similar to receiving a deep tissue massage.
For more information on cupping, check out this article from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.
We take pride that every massage at The Loft at The Bow includes cupping at no extra charge.
Please visit this page on our website to book your massage and cupping session today!