Cupping

Cupping therapy involves placing glass or silicon cups on the skin to create suction which increases blood circulation to the area promoting muscle tension relief, improving blood flow, and promoting cell repair.

** by appointment only **

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin to create suction. The practice dates back thousands of years to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern Cultures and has been popularized in the U.S. over the past several decades.

Though there are several different types of cupping, we use "dry" cupping techniques at Abundant Life Wellness. Plastic and/or silicon cups are applied to the skin for several minutes at a time or in a massage-like fashion in which oil or lotion is applied to the skin so that the cups can run smoothly over muscle tissue.

People can receive cupping therapy for many purposes including to help with pain, inflammation, relaxation and wellbeing, and as a type of deep tissue massage.

Suction from cupping draws fluid into the treated area. This suction expands and breaks open tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under your skin. Your body then replenishes the cupped area with healthier blood flow and stimulates proper healing at a cellular level. As a result, cupping can assist to release toxins throughout the body.

Almost anyone can benefit from cupping. It is used to treat a lack of mobility, tight muscles, scar tissue, and other conditions such as headaches, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, and release of trigger points.

Many clients who have had cupping therapy report that it:

- reduces pain and inflammation

- decreases muscle tightness

- improves blood flow and circulation

- increases range of motion

In addition, cupping therapy may remove toxins from the body by stimulating the immune system response, both locally and systemically, though further research is needed.

Clients may request cupping as a standalone session or included into an integrative massage. During the session, the therapist will apply plastic and/or silicon cups to your skin which in turn creates a vacuum-like suction, drawing muscle, fascia, nerves and surrounding tissue to the surface. Cups may be left on the skin from seconds to minutes or moved in a massage-like fashion over the muscle tissue.

Cupping should not cause pain. However, clients may experience some skin tightness or itchiness as blood is drawn to the surface under the skin to increase circulation. After cupping therapy, clients may feel bruised or slightly sore as a result of the buildup of lactic acid in the muscle tissue but should not experience severe discomfort.

Often times, clients experience a feeling of warmth and red, round cupping therapy marks left on the skin. These marks resemble bruises. However, they are not true bruises caused by blunt force trauma that injure muscle fibers. Cupping marks typically fade within one to two weeks.

Physical exertion and heat are not recommended for 24 hours after a cupping session.

Though cupping marks are not true bruises, it is important for clients to consider the appearance of such marks on the skin especially if they have an important event approaching, etc.

Even though cupping therapy carries a low risk of complications, it is not for everyone. Though not an exhaustive list, you should avoid cupping if you experience any of the following conditions:

- pregnancy

- anemia

- a pacemaker

- liver or kidney failure

- bleeding disorders like hemophilia

- blood clotting problems, DVT, history of strokes

- cardiovascular disease

- skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis

As with any alternative medicine therapy, it is important to speak to your physician if you are unsure of the effects of cupping or have concerns. Your massage therapist will work with you to develop a customized plan suited to your health and wellness goals.