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Since becoming a massage therapist my goal has been to provide the best relaxation and pain relieving techniques for my clients and I’m happy to tell you about the most recent therapy I will be adding to my services. You may remember back in the summer (2016) some of the Olympian’s had “weird” circular markings on their backs, shoulders and arms. You might also remember hearing the term “cupping” or “cupping therapy”. Ever since the summer Olympics cupping therapy has become a quite popular form of pain relief. I’m excited to announce that I now offer cupping therapy here at Atoka Massage Therapy. So, what is cupping and what does it do?
What is cupping?
Cupping is actually an ancient therapy that dates back over 3,000 years. It is used for painreduction and boosting the body’s over all immune system. In short, the suction and negative pressure of the cups rapidly provide rigid soft tissue release by loosening and lifting the fascia and muscles. Cupping brings fresh new blood cells carrying vitamins, minerals, and oxygen to the muscles to promote healing. Think of it as a vacuum cleaner that pulls stagnant blood out of the area to help facilitate healing and break up adhesions from the connective tissue aka fascia and muscles.
What are the benefits of cupping?
- Decrease of inflammation and pain
- Release of deep muscular issues
- Release and softens scar tissue
- Lifts and stretches soft tissue
- Increases range of motion
- Improves circulation
- Encourages and promotes healing
- Clears old residue out of the muscle
- Temporarily dissipates cellulite dimpling
- Smooths the appearance of stretch marks
What are the marks and how long do they last?
The discoloration, called a cup mark indicates the release of intense stagnation in the area. The marks are NOT bruises and they are not painful, bruises are caused from impact trauma. You may have some muscle soreness, but the marks themselves don’t hurt. These marks will dissipate anywhere between a few hours and a few days.
After your cupping session:
- Drink plenty of water!
- Refrain from aggressive exercise until the next day
- Avoid extreme temperatures for 4-6 hours
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, or steams until the next day
- Do not receive other bodywork for 48 hours as it could overload your system
- Burning sensations can occur and have often indicated a renewed blood flow to the tissue or natural separation of old adhesion’s in the fascia
- Skin discolorations or the “Cup Marks” reveal areas of stagnation in the tissue (not a bruise) and usually dissipate between 1-4 days
- Once the cup marks are gone you may get another treatment. Receive cupping therapy on a regular, consistent basis for optimal results.
I do cupping therapy as a treatment by itself or add it on to any massage session. The most beneficial treatment I offer is Therapeutic FasciaBlaster Massage with cupping therapy, it is the perfect combination of therapies for restricted muscles and fascia that cause pain and/or cellulite.
