What is Cupping?

Massage Cupping therapy is an adaptation of an ancient technique that dates back as early as 1550 B.C. Throughout history, indigenous people have used various forms of cups including those made of bone, bamboo, stone, and glass.

What to Expect

The cup is positioned over the area of the body to be treated and suction is created using a vacuum gun or bulb. The more traditional method involves inserting a flame into a glass cup to create the vacuum.

The suction level can range from light to heavy, and the movements performed by the therapist can be stimulating or sedating. Cups are moved over the skin using gliding, shaking, popping and rotating techniques while gently pulling up on the cup, or may be left stationary for a short time to facilitate joint mobilization or soft tissue release of trigger points and adhesions. This suction reaches deep into the soft tissue, attachments, and organs, loosening adhesions and draining blood and lymph stagnation.

Benefits of Cupping

‣ Decreases and relieves pain and inflammation ‣ Lifts and stretches soft tissue ‣ Increases range of movement‣ Releases deep muscular issues and trigger points ‣ Sedates the nervous system

‣ Releases and softens scar tissue ‣ Improves circulation‣ Drains lymph fluid + clear drainage pathways ‣ Clears old residue out of the muscle and soft tissue‣ Opens chest and lungs

Contraindications

Cupping is contraindicated in cases of severe diseases such as cardiac and renal failure, severe edema, as well as hemorrhagic diseases such as allergic purpura, hemophilia and leukemia, and clients with dermatosis, destruction of skin, or allergic dermatitis.Cupping should not be applied on areas where a hernia exists or has occurred in the past.Broken bones, dislocations, herniated or slipped discs, organ failure, and those undergoing cancer therapy are contraindicated for cupping.Cupping should not be performed on affected areas during the acute stages of Psoriasis, Eczema or Rosacea, as well as outbreaks of Urticaria (Hives), Herpes or Shingles.

Potential Complications Discolorations, commonly called a “cup kiss”, indicates the release of intense stagnation(fluids and toxins) in the area. This is not a bruise and will dissipate anywhere between a few hours and a few days with correct after care.

Aftercare

Maintaining proper body hydration is key after receiving cupping therapy. Water helps to flush toxins out of the system that has been removed from body tissue during treatment. Avoid extreme heat or cold, alcohol, and strenuous activity for several hours after receiving cupping.

EVERGREEN FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC, LLC

CUPPING THERAPY