Massage Therapy Cupping

Massage Cupping Therapy

By Karen Benford Smith

 

Massage cupping is an ancient form of vacuum therapy that was used in early Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Ancient practitioners would hollow out animal bones or horns to remove toxic poisons from venomous snake bites and skin lesions.  The horns were later replaced by bamboo cups and today the glass cups are the choice of most therapists for massage cupping. 

The theory behind cupping is that blood is diverted to a particular site on the body  In the 18^th through the 20^th century cupping was used to reduce congestion and build up associated with colds.  Breast cupping is used for lactation dysfunction.  The breast pump resulted out of breast cupping to ensure that the mother could continuously produce milk and store the milk for future feedings of the child.

Massage cupping currently is used in addition to a massage therapy session.  Cupping adds suction to the body and helps the nervous system by sedating and relaxing the area that has built up lactic acid or adhesions.

The deep rolling effect of cupping that is done on the entirety of the back and mimics a deep tissue massage.  Long and intended cupping actions will drain fluid, or circular actions will remove stubborn or ridged tissue build up.  Often the skin turns red, which is a sign that the circulation has been brought to the surface.

Some conditions that benefit from cupping or fibromyalgia, anxiety, insomnia, post-injury trauma, chronic pain, post- surgery adhesions, and sluggish coon.

Cupping is a new addition to my practice.  Creating a suction and vacuum pressure to soft tight muscles and tone attachments may produce reduction in inflammation, drain excess fluids, and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways.  Be sure and request cupping as part of your therapy treatment.