What is Cupping? How can it benefit me?

What to Expect:

Your massage therapist may first perform a light general massage, applying further pressure to the body areas designated for the cupping session. Some practitioners may prep clients with a “glider cup,” which allows them to quickly apply suction to various body areas.

A typical cupping session includes stationary cups, which are applied to the shoulders, back, hips, and legs. Your therapist may use between four and six cups at a time, leaving them attached to the body for 10 minutes or so. Cups are then applied to other body areas as needed/requested by the client. After completing a few “sets” of cupping, your therapist may conduct a deep tissue massage to facilitate further release of a client’s muscles.

Cupping clients may feel some stinging when cups are first applied to your body. Glider cups may also create mild to moderate pain. After your session, you will notice large reddish-purple circular bruises that linger for approximately a week and may be slightly tender.

How does cupping help?

Cupping is used to treat a variety of concerns, including:

• Congestion, bronchitis, and asthma

• Immune disorders

• Digestive ailments

• Migraines

• Depression

What are the different types of cupping?

There are four main categories of cupping:

• Dry cupping: a suction-only method

• Wet/bleeding cupping: may involve both suction and controlled medicinal bleeding

• Running cupping: involves moving suctioned cups around the body after applying oil to massage the desired area

• Flash cupping: involves quick, repeated suction and release of cups on an area of the body
  

Cups are most often applied to the:

• back

• chest

• abdomen

• buttocks

• legs
  

To Cup or Not to Cup