A Guide to Cupping Massage
A Guide to Cupping Massage
Also known as Myofascial Cupping Therapy, Cupping Massage is an ancient technique that uses suction or a vacuum inside a cup, which is then applied to the body.
Today, cupping massages are still being used by Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Sports Therapists in conjunction with other therapies to provide a variety of benefits.
Read more for a complete guide to cupping massage and all the frequently asked questions.
- History of Cupping Massage.
- How Cupping Works.
- What Cupping Treats.
- Techniques of Cupping.
- Types of Cupping Devices.
- What are the Marks?
- Does Cupping Hurt?
- Safety Precautions.
- How Much Does it Cost?
- How Often Should You Do It?
- Cupping Massage Home.
History of Cupping Massage
Cupping therapy has been practiced for thousands of years with cups originally made from clay, bamboo, animal horns, metal, and glass.
Traditionally, a naked flame (Fire Cupping) was inserted and withdrawn from the cup to create a vacuum. Today, modern materials like glass, plastic, and silicone are used and the vacuum is created with a pump.
The earliest recorded use of cupping therapy dates back to 1550 BCE in the Ebers Papyrus of Ancient Egypt.
References to wet cupping (Hijama) -a blood letting technique- also appeared in the Middle East as early as 1025 CE, later spreading to Greece, Rome, and throughout Europe.
China began referencing cupping later during the Jin Dynasty (281-341 BCE), after which it spread to Korea, Tibet, and Japan.
How Does Cupping Massage Work?
Cupping therapy works by creating a vacuum that gently pulls the soft tissue, providing a local passive stretch of the skin, muscles, tendons, and fascia.
The vacuum inside the cup also enhances blood and lymphatic circulation to the area cupped. According to medical research, cupping therapy can be explained to work in several ways:
- Reduces pain and inflammation.
- Relaxes muscles.
- Increases blood circulation.
- Improves immune cell function.
- Releases toxins and removes waste, including heavy metals.
Benefits of Cupping Massage
Cupping therapy is used to treat various conditions including:
- General tension and muscle tightness
- Muscle Knots
- Restricted movement
- Low back pain
- Sensory pain
- Emotional pain
- Neck pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Knee pain
- Frozen shoulder pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated discs
- Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Gastrointestinal disorders (IBD, IBS)
- Asthma and other respiratory issues
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Colds and Flus
- Sinus
- Facial rejuvination
Techniques of Cupping
Wet and Dry Cupping Massage
Cupping is typically divided into two main types: Wet Cupping and Dry Cupping.
Dry Cupping: Dry cupping involves using suction cups on the body without drawing blood. There is no cutting or needling of the skin before applying the cups unlike wet cupping.
There are different techniques in how the suction cups are applied;
Stationary Cupping: Cups are applied to an area and left in place for 3 to 15 minutes.
Sliding Cupping: Cups are moved over the skin, often using oil to facilitate movement.
Active Cupping: Cups are applied to an area while the patient moves the affected area slowly to whilst the cups remain in place.
Wet Cupping; This process draws a small amount of blood and extracellular fluid from the body. The minor skin incisions stimulate inflammatory cell migration and trigger the release of endogenous opioids, which are natural pain relievers and mood enhancers. This method also boosts the body’s innate and acquired immunity.
Note: Wet cupping should only be performed by a trained acupuncture physician using pre-sterilized disposable cups.
Types of Cupping Devices
There are several types of dry cupping devices:
Hand Pump Cups:
- Made of glass or plastic
- Best for stationary cupping
- Use a hand pump to create a controlled vacuum
- Provide precise pressure control, from light to firm
- Available in various sizes for different areas of the body
Silicone Squeeze Cups:
- Made of flexible silicone.
- Work by compressing the cup and releasing it on the skin.
- Best for sliding cupping on the face, neck, joints, and bony areas.
- Provide a gentler suction best option for facial cupping.
Fire Cupping:
- Uses a flame to create a vacuum inside a glass cup.
- Requires care to prevent burns and other safety risks.
- Difficult to control the suction pressure compared to modern methods.
What do the dark circles after cupping mean?
Most people should expect to get some red circles after lactic acid and other inflammatory metabolic wastes.
The red marks tend to go away within 24 hours but some individuals will get a round brown or purple bruise where the cup was.
The cupping marks are not bruises from the cups damaging tissue but a result of accumulated waste products like bilirubin from expired or damaged red blood cells accumulated in the tissues and joints.
The bilirubin and any damaged red blood cells are drawn to the surface and filtered by the skin where immune cells break down.
These bruise marks typically appear on areas that have been exposed to physical stress like exercise, repetitive strain and in areas of old trauma and the marks fade within 2 to 12 days.
The darkness of the marks depends on the level of accumulation of damaged cells in the tissues.
Bruising colour will usually appear strongest in the first session getting less with each consecutive session as the area is detoxified and pain subsides.
The "bruise" like circles in the skin present no danger to the health.
It is not necessary for there to be bruising for cupping to work, bruising is just an indication of damaged red blood cells and bilirubin in the area.
Does Cupping Massage Hurt?
Dry Cupping Therapy shouldn’t cause pain, though you may experience some skin tightness during the procedure.
After cupping therapy, you may feel slightly sore to touch like after a deep tissue massage but you shouldn’t have strong discomfort.
If pain is aggravated when cups are on, they should be removed immediately.
Fire cupping can be painful if the class cup is exposed to flame to long and hot cup burns skin.
Wet cupping does hurt when the skin is cut before applying the cups.
Safety & Risks of Cupping Massage
While most types of cupping massage are generally safe, fire cupping should be avoided because of the risk of burns.
Wet Cupping should never be performed by a Massage Therapist, Sports Therapist or Chiropractor as they are not trained or licensed to cut and draw blood from skin.
Other forms of dry cupping therapy are safe when following precautions but they do have some potential side effects, including:
- Temporary skin discoloration
- Itching
- Muscle soreness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness (especially when standing too quickly after treatment)
- Nausea or headaches (if too many cups are used or left on for too long)
Cupping should not be performed over:
- Deep vein thrombosis areas
- Open wounds or unhealed bone fractures
- Arteries, veins, or varicose veins
- Skin lesions, inflammation, or discharge
- Body orifices or over lymph nodes
Cupping is not recommended for individuals with:
Where can I get Cupping Massage
At Acupuncture Clermont, cupping therapy is included in the price of an acupuncture treatment.
Other therapists may offer it as part of their treatment or as an additional paid service for an extra $30 to $60.
A variety of healthcare providers can receive training to perform cupping, including:
- Acupuncturists.
- Chiropractors.
- Massage therapists.
- Medical doctors.
- Physical therapists.
Cupping can be done at home with a reusable cupping set costing from $30 buying online.
Do It Your Self Cupping Massage
Cupping can be performed at home for self-care, especially for chronic or acute aches and pains, as well as respiratory issues.
However, safety precautions should be followed, and individuals should consult a healthcare provider if they have any concerns.
Cupping therapy is a time-tested technique that offers numerous benefits for pain relief, muscle relaxation, and overall well-being.
Whether performed by a trained professional or as part of self-care, it can be a valuable addition to a holistic health routine.