The Benefits of Cupping Massage

While many associate cupping as a practice only offered in specific fields, the art of cupping therapy has long been used in massage with immense benefits. The alternative medicine therapy of cupping is from ancient Chinese medicine and has continued its rewarding technique through the centuries to modern day. Cupping is not just for alternative clinics, some spas have offered cupping massage for years, yet not many spa-goers are aware that the service is offered or what it even is!

What is Cupping?

Cupping is done by placing special cups of glass or bamboo onto the skin, creating suction by the technique of application. This technique is done in various ways, mainly by placing a flammable substance in one of the cups and setting it on fire, to create heat in the cup. Once the flame is gone, the professional therapist places the cup on your skin. When the air starts to cool inside the cup, this creates the suction aspect of the cupping massage, which tightens around the surface of your skin and pulls it up around the rim of the cup. Each cup is left on the skin for several minutes to allow it to pull the toxins loose, penetrate into the layers of muscular issue, and work its magic.

The results are tremendous with aiding in inflammation, blood flow, relief of pain, and relaxation. It is used in massage as a form of deep tissue massage and is well known for pulling toxins out of the body, as well as loosen scar tissue and increase circulation. A few other amazing benefits of cupping are:

Increases Circulation

The suction from the cups increases circulation to the area where the cups are placed. The additional blood flow to that area can help relieve muscle tension and promote cell repair. Increasing circulation with cupping also helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Encourages Tissues to Release Toxins

Yes, you do have organs that remove toxins from your blood. But the modern lifestyle overloads your body with toxins. Cupping gives your body a boost in releasing those toxins. Focused blood flow helps your body by flushing built-up toxins through the lymphatic system. (Your lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating your body’s toxins and waste.)

Reduces Anxiety

When your therapist glides the cups across your skin, your parasympathetic nervous system engages. This promotes deep relaxation to move through your entire body. (Your parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for slowing your heart rate, assisting in digestion, and increasing intestinal and gland activity.)

Can Reduce Stretch Marks and Scars

Increased blood flow enables your body to dispose of toxins, restores lymphatic circulation, and helps remove edema (excess fluid), which helps reduce the appearance of scarring. Studies have shown the positive effects of cupping on stretch marks and scars even in areas that are far from the area where the cups are applied.

Can Improve Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

Varicose veins look like bulging, bluish veins just under your skin, usually on legs and feet. They happen when the valves inside the vein aren’t working properly—the valves don’t effectively push the blood from the muscle back to the heart, so the blood congests and the veins twist and bulge. Cupping helps by bringing fresh blood flow and oxygen back to the problem areas. You’ll notice your varicose veins appear lighter after your first session, though it will take a series of cupping sessions for lasting results. (Note: only dry, not wet, cupping is recommended for treating varicose veins. At Resolution Health, we only practice dry cupping.)

Clears Congestion and Helps Treat Asthma

Congestion (the buildup of fluid or phlegm in your lungs) caused by a cold, bronchitis, or even asthma can be treated with cupping. The suction from cups breaks up and expels congestion. It brings oxygen rich blood and lymph toward your lungs and your other respiratory muscles. Cups are usually placed on your back, but may be placed on your chest as well. Your therapist may leave the cups in place, or may gently glide them in an upward motion to facilitate the movement of the lymph fluid. Facial cupping can also be used to help unblock your sinuses.

Clears Colon Blockages and Aids Digestion

Cupping helps to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which increases blood flow to the digestive tract. Gentle cupping over the abdomen also stimulates the insides of your digestive organs. It aids in peristalsis (contractions that push food through your digestive tract), helps clear colon blockages, encourages blood and body-fluid to move through your organs, and helps relieve indigestion.

The ancient art of cupping therapy has been dated back to 1,550 B.C. and is known throughout the Chinese culture for its healing and medicinal benefits. Even celebrities like Jennifer Aniston (a yoga enthusiast), Gwyneth Paltrow, Justin Bieber, and even Michael Phelps (the Olympic swimmer) has used cupping to help their overall wellness and detox their bodies before big events.

There is even a modern version of cupping that uses silicone cups or a rubber pump instead of fire to the create the vacuum effect, while the silicone cups allows them to move from place to place on your skin, to mimic massage movements. Cupping is a unique and incredible technique to aid in relief and physical ailments, just as the ancient Chinese have done for thousands of years.

Botanica Day Spa Cupping Massage

If you want to mix things up when you go the spa for your regular massage, try spicing it up with the cupping massage! You still receive the benefits and style of a deep tissue massage, but with a fiery twist that will also give you great detoxing results. And if you’ve tried everything to get rid of that stubborn cellulite, give cupping therapy a shot – perfect to do before Spring Break begins!

The round circles that can appear on the skin from toxins being pulled last several days, even sometimes up to a week, so it’s best to do a cupping massage in advance to a big event or heading to the beach. It is a conversation starter either way! Call us today or book online and give the ancient art of cupping therapy a try with our Botanica signature twist on it! You will feel so rejuvenated and your body clean and free of junk afterward, it might even become your new favorite massage. You won’t know until you try!