Ancient Technique, Modern Benefits: The Fascinating Use of Cupping

If you thought cupping was merely an antiquated practice, think again. This ancient technique, which has stood the test of time, continues to be utilized today for its numerous therapeutic benefits. Cupping involves the strategic placement of cups, typically made of plastic, glass, or silicone, onto the body's surface to create suction. This suction, applied through various techniques such as gliding, shaking, popping, and rotating, exerts a profound influence on the deep layers of soft tissue, attachments, and even organs.

One of the key advantages of cupping lies in its ability to mobilize joints and release tension within soft tissues. When cups are gently pulled up on the skin or left in a stationary position for a brief period, joint mobilization and soft tissue release become possible. This targeted approach facilitates the loosening and lifting of connective tissue, enabling the rapid release of rigid areas within the body. By breaking up stagnation and promoting drainage, cupping encourages the elimination of toxins and inflammation from the body tissues.

Moreover, cupping boasts a range of benefits that extend beyond direct physical manipulation. When cups are applied to the skin's surface, their suction creates a sedating effect on the nervous system. This calming influence can be particularly advantageous for individuals experiencing stress or anxiety-related conditions. Cupping aids in the body's natural detoxification process by drawing out inflammation and toxins, allowing the skin and lymphatic system to efficiently eliminate them.

What sets cupping apart from other therapeutic modalities is its unique ability to enhance circulation in ways that compression techniques cannot. Through the suction created by the cups, blood, oxygen, and lymph flow are increased, contributing to improved healing and overall well-being. The rejuvenating effects of increased circulation extend not only to the skin but also to the underlying muscles, promoting optimal health and vitality.

In conclusion, cupping continues to captivate practitioners and patients alike due to its remarkable benefits. As an ancient technique with modern applications, cupping offers a holistic approach to wellness by combining joint mobilization, soft tissue release, and natural detoxification. By stimulating circulation and promoting the elimination of toxins, cupping opens up new avenues for therapeutic healing. Embrace the centuries-old wisdom of cupping and unlock its potential in your pursuit of well-being.

Benefits to the Recipient

 Abscesses

Activates the skin, clears stretch marks and wrinkles

Anxiety and insomnia

Arthritis

Breaks up and expels congestion

Bronchial asthma & congestion

Cellulite

Chronic gastric pain

Cleans the blood and lymph and helps to balance PH levels

Colds & Influenza

Deep tissue work and release without discomfort

Depression

Dermatological disorders

Dispels colds and respiratory infections

Dispels wind, damp and cold to treat muscle and joint pain, stiffness, and arthritis (acupressure / Asian theory) Facilitates the movement of Qi and blood systemically and locally

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Gallbladder disorders

Gynecological disorders

Headaches

Blood pressure, stroke and arteriosclerosis

Intercostal Neuralgia

Intestinal disorders

Kidney disorders (including frequent/urgent urination)Liver disorders

Loosens adhesions

Menopausal discomforts

Moves stagnation and drains fluids

Muscular-skeletal problems: pain, spasms, cramps, tightness, numbness, stiffness of the back and neck Nervous system sedation

Post-injury trauma

Post-surgery adhesions

Pulls blood supply to the skin

Relieves gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomachache, vomiting and diarrhea

Relieves inflammation

Rheumatism

Siatica

Connective tissues

The suction created by cupping pulls stagnant fluids to the surface, removes toxic pathogens and promotes fresh oxygenated, nutrient rich blood and lymph

Treats excess heat conditions, fever, stress, depression and anxiety (acupressure / Asian theory)Vertigo
On the deeper therapeutic level, Cupping is very beneficial for many conditions such as high blood pressure, anxiety, fatigue, chronic headache, fibromyalgia and neuralgia. Contracted, congested muscle tissue will soften quickly with only a few minutes.
Cumulative Cupping treatments increase muscle endurance, circulation, lung capacity, lymphatic drainage and health maintenance during strenuous activities. Many professional athletes incorporate it into their training to enhance their overall performance, agility and ability to recover from their sports.

Conditions that respond to Massage Cupping

Asthma and Pneumonia
Athletic Stress and Injury
Bursitis, Tendonitis, and Other Inflammatory Conditions
Cellulite
Diabetes

Fibromyalgia

High/Low Blood Pressure

Insomnia and Anxiety

Migraine and Tension

Parkinson's Disease
Plantar Fasciitis
Poor Circulation
Pre – and post – Operative Conditions
Sciatica and IT Band
Sluggish Colon or Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Stagnant Lymph and Edema
TMJ Dysfunction
Toxicity

 Contraindications

Cardiovascular disease: unstable, moderate or sever
Cardiovascular medications: blood thinners
Blood disorders: hemophilia
Cancer: malignant tumors and leukemia *(for all cancers I would need a note giving authorization to do therapy from the Oncologist doctor only and no other doctor)
Skin sensitivities and allergies
Dermatological conditions Acute injuries and conditions Acute ( fresh) scar tissues
Varicose veins
Pregnancy
Acute inflammation and edema
Broken bones

Fibromyalgia

Bruise easily

Thin, thinning skin usually caused by maturity.

Very thin individuals with little to no muscle mass.

 Marks or discolorations that can happen from cupping therapy:

Discoloration due to toxins and old blood being brought to the surface.
Post treatment tenderness – this is common with any bodywork, but is usually less than from deep tissue work.
Redness and itching – due to increased vasodilation and/or inflammation brought to the surface.
Decreased blood pressure – due to vasodilation and/or nervous system sedation.

 One of the common and unfortunate misconceptions concerning cupping is the misinterpretation of the discoloration. Many think these marks are bruising. “Bruising” is caused by impact trauma with breakage of capillaries and reactionary rush of fluids to the damaged area from the tissue compression/injury. Discoloration can occur as the Cupping session draws up dead cellular debris, poisons, stagnation and excess fluids to the surface leaving these deposits under the skin for the lymphatic & circulatory systems to drain it away.

Often, when a condition exists within deeper structures where sufficient pathologic factors and stagnant fluids (toxins, blood and lymph) are dredged up during treatment, discoloration will appear on the skin. This is the therapeutically desired effect – the more this is visible, the greater the level of stagnation and toxicity.

The discoloration will fade over a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the individual.

 When circulation is sluggish or compromised in an stagnant are of the body, insufficient oxygen gets to the cells and there will be a local buildup of waste products. When the skin is pressed, the blanching that occurs is slow to fade.

Suction pulls toxins, pathogenic factors, blood poison, dead lymph and cellular debris from deep within the tissues to the surface. These debilitating agents are then more easily expelled from the body. The deposits dissipate from a few hours up to several weeks, depending on the amount of stagnation and the patients post treatment activities.

The quality of the pathogenic factors varies according to the severity of the patient's blood stasis -- which correlates with the nature, severity and type of condition they have. It can appear from a light pink to a dark purple, but is usually a shade of red. Often tiny raised bumps will appear. Sometimes a clear fluid will be drawn to the surface. These are all results of disease and toxins being removed from deep within the tissues. The more discoloration that surfaces – the greater level of stagnation and toxicity needing to be purged from the body.

The deposits will lessen in intensity as the deeper issues are resolved and the stagnations and toxins have been dredged up and flushed out via the body's' own circulatory systems, expulsion from the pores and sweat. Sweating is a great after treatment follow up for the clients to help get rid of the garbage you've released. Although the marks look painful, they are not. Patients usually feel an immediate sense of relief.

Client after session care instructions

The after effects of Cupping are most intense at the beginning of receiving treatments, and lessen dramatically as your system becomes accustomed to the treatments as they cumulate. Besides the effects Cupping provides for specific conditions, injuries and illnesses, some of the general after effects include:

The need for sleep
Intense hunger (munchies)
No appetite
Similar to post deep tissue massage
Nausea
Euphoria Feelings of being "hung over"
Increased bowel elimination
Stronger body odor (detox)
"Best night’s sleep in years"
Inability to sleep
Vivid dreams
Night sweats
Heightened senses (smell, sight, sound)
Craving for certain foods
Thirst and cotton mouth
Emotional release
Stronger than normal bowel & urine odors
Skin surface warmer than normal
Chills

Restless (wanting to clean, organize, etc.)Soreness, like after strenuous exercise

Feeling of reduced mass, increased height
Headachy

Drink plenty of the purest water you can find (not all fluids are equal) Do not exercise until the next day Avoid chills, drafts or heat for 4-6 hours Avoid showers, steam, sauna until the next day (if you must bathe, keep it luke warm) Do not receive other body work for 48 hours as this could overload your system or it could negate the work that has been done.

Disclaimer Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. As a non-medical practitioner, if you have or suspect that you have a medical problem promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.