Cupping
Relax, restore and rejuvenate
Cupping is a part of many ancient medicinal practices, including those in Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern cultures. It involves placing cups on the skin to create a vacuum. This suction pulls up the skin and muscles, increasing circulation and releasing toxins.
Cupping process
- Our therapist will cleanse the area of the skin where the cups will be placed.
- Our therapist will then apply a small amount of oil to the skin.
- Our therapist will then place the cups on the skin and create a vacuum by either:
- Using a pump to remove the air from the cup.
- Applying a heat source to the cup, which will cause the air inside the cup to expand and create a vacuum.
- The cups will be left in place for several minutes.
- Our therapist may move the cups around during the treatment.
- Once the cups are removed, our therapist may apply massage oil or cream to the skin.
Cupping and acupressure massage
Cupping and acupressure can be used together to provide a more comprehensive treatment. The negative upward pressure of cupping can help to release toxins and improve circulation, while the positive downward pressure of acupressure can help to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Advantages of cupping
Cupping offers a wide range of benefits for your body, including:
- Loosening stiff muscles: Cupping helps relax tense and stiff muscles, promoting greater flexibility and reducing discomfort.
- Calming your nervous system: It has a soothing effect on the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
- Dispelling stagnation: Cupping can effectively address stagnation in your blood and lymphatic circulation, enhancing overall circulation and vitality.
- Toxin release: By creating suction, cupping encourages the release of toxins and impurities from the body, supporting detoxification processes.
Cupping is recommended for a range of health conditions, including:
- Sports injuries
- Back and neck pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Stress and anxiety
- Headaches
- Rheumatism
- Menstrual disorders
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Respiratory conditions
- Fatigue
Moving cupping
Moving cupping is a variation of traditional cupping therapy in which the cups are not stationary but are moved across the skin’s surface while maintaining suction. This technique involves applying massage oil or lotion to create a smooth gliding effect, and then using the cups to glide along specific areas of the body.
Moving cupping can provide the benefits of both cupping and massage, helping to:
- Release muscle tension
- Improve circulation
- Alleviate pain or discomfort
- Restore or enhance muscle and tissue mobility
Moving cupping is often used to treat conditions such as:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Muscle spasms
- Fibromyalgia
- Sciatica
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Cupping marks
Cupping marks are discolourations of the skin that can occur after cupping therapy. They’re not bruises, but rather signs of blood and qi stagnation, toxin accumulation or dampness accumulation in the body. They occur as a result of the cups’ suction effect, which draws the blood closer to the surface and causes localised congestion and discolouration. The marks indicate that the therapy has successfully stimulated blood flow and relieved stagnation in the affected area.
Cupping marks can vary in colour, shape, size, and intensity depending on several factors, such as the individual’s skin sensitivity, the amount of suction, the duration of the session, the cupping method used, the state of the underlying tissue and the amount of toxins in the body.
- Light to medium pink marks indicate mild stagnation and usually fade within a few hours or days.
- Dark reddish to pinkish marks indicate moderate stagnation and usually fade within a few days or a week.
- Dark purple marks indicate severe stagnation and usually fade within a week or two.
Cupping marks are not harmful and typically fade over time as the body’s natural healing process takes place.
Experience the power of cupping
Are you curious about cupping and its potential benefits for your health? Visit Healing Moments Massage & Acupuncture for a comprehensive consultation and personalised advice on how cupping can improve your overall well-being. Our experienced therapists will work with you to create a customised cupping treatment plan that is right for you.
Book your appointment today
To learn more about cupping or to book your appointment, please contact us on 0483 166 888. We look forward to helping you experience the therapeutic wonders of cupping!