Massage therapy can provide an individual with a natural way to address physical discomforts by releasing tension, improving circulation and stimulating the body’s detoxification processes. One of the many benefits of massage therapy is the fact that there are so many varying techniques that can be used to address a variety of situations and produce a variety of results. Cupping massage is one of the more unique and lesser known massage therapy techniques, but it can also be one of the most highly beneficial.
Cupping Therapy Benefits
Cup massage therapy is, quite simply, the opposite of typical massage therapy techniques. Rather than kneading, pushing or pressing on specific parts of the body in order to promote relaxation and healing, cup massage tugs the skin, muscles, and tissues upwards in order to promote relaxation and healing. This is done through creating suction with cups that are either left stationary in specific positions or are moved around on the surface of the skin.
Just a few of the benefits one can achieve through cup massage include:
- Better blood flow to muscles and tissues
- Increased supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells
- Softened muscles
- Reduced knots and adhesions
- Improved draining of the lymphatic system
- Release of excess fluids and toxins from the cells and tissues
- Less inflammation in deeper tissues
- Stimulation and calming of the nervous system
- Elimination of chronic congestion
Cup massage has often been used in order to resolve stiff muscles, stress, migraines, fatigue, back and neck pain, and rheumatism. It has also been used as part of weight loss and cellulite reduction treatments. Furthermore, where muscles have accumulated lactic acid and other toxins as a result of injury, trauma or exertion, cup massage can help to drain these toxins and promote better healing.
How Cup Massage Works
A therapist who is trained in cup massage will first determine which areas of the body need to be treated in order to provide the individual with the best benefits. This means he will feel the various muscles and joints of the body. Normally, a light oil is applied to the areas where suction will be created, and then the cups are applied. In order to create suction, the therapist may burn something, like paper, inside the cup. This heats the inside of the cup so that when the burning object is removed and the cup is placed on the skin, it will create suction as the air suddenly cools.
Once it has been placed on the skin, the cup will remain in place for several minutes so that the muscles can become loose and relaxed. Then the cup is gently moved over the surface of the skin, tugging on the skin and tissues. Where the cup drags or resists movement, the therapist will be alerted to the fact that there may be more tension, inflammation and other problems in these areas and therefore more attention will be needed to resolve them.
Cup massage can be successfully used on the upper arms, the calves, the thighs, the abdomen, the hips, the sacral region, the back, the neck, and the shoulders. In order to achieve the best possible results, cups are moved with circular strokes on the shoulders, thighs, and hips, while cups are moved with lengthwise strokes on the back, including the sides of the spine and on the rib cage. Smaller cups are used on the neck.
After the therapist has placed the cups on the body, they will assess the color of the skin in order to better determine what is needed. White or light pink skin color is a sign that light suction is sufficient. The therapist will use vibration, shaking, and friction in order to better promote circulation, healing, and relaxation. Dark red or purple skin color is a sign that there is congestion and inflammation that must be addressed. The therapist will use pumping, rolling rotation, and parking in order to help promote the release and the draining of excessive fluids.
Cup massage can be highly effective at relieving deep tissue discomfort with creating any discomfort or pain. Individuals normally feel the warmth and tingling in their tissues, and may feel more relaxed and better able to sleep deeply. They may also notice some reddening of the skin as a result of the increased blood circulation brought about by this therapy. Individuals who receive cup massage tend to continue experiencing beneficial effects for some time afterward, especially if they participate in consecutive sessions.
Cup massage therapy is considered safe for patients of all ages. Therapists will first get a medical history on the individual in order to ensure that they aren’t suffering from any specific medical conditions that may potentially be exacerbated by cup massage. To learn more about cup massage and to schedule an appointment, contact Botanica Day Spa today.
