Suction Cup Massage

History of massage cupping therapy

The cup massage was passed down from one generation to the next from ancient china to the present day world. The first cups for massages were made from animal horns that had been hollowed out. In the early years, animal horn cups were used in treatment of snake bites to help remove the toxins and in the treatment of skin lesions. Ancient Egyptian text documents the use of cup massage.

Back during the 18th century up through the beginning of the 20th century, it was prevalent in most homes and frequently used for colds, congestion and coughs. Cup massage was practiced by doctors in America at the end of the 18th century.

What is massage cupping?

Massage cupping is basically a reversed massage; traditional massage pushes inward while the suction cups lift the skin and underlying tissues outward from the body.

It is a method of providing stimulation by application of cups to the skin. A vacuum is created enhancing blood flow and relaxing tight muscles. The therapy reduces back pain and body stiffness. Suction cup massage may be followed with an application of essential oils, liniments, or analgesics.

Suction cups are placed on the body usually to the back to provide manipulation. Application of lubricant topically before placing the cups can assist with obtaining a tight seal and ease in gliding the cups during treatment. The ancient method used heat to extract the air from the cup but modernized cups allow for mechanical extraction with a hand pump. Cupping is usually applied on nodal sites but non nodal regions can be used also.

How does cupping therapy work?

The suction creates negative pressure draining excessive fluids along with toxins from the tissues. It also provides stimulation to the peripheral nervous system bringing increased blood circulation providing oxygenation to skin and muscles that have been stagnant. Adhesions are loosened and knots in the soft tissues smoothed away

How does it feel?

A suction cup massage will take about 20 minutes including suction time of around 5 minutes and relaxation time of about 15 minutes. The therapy produces a feeling of warmth on the body. If pain or discomfort is felt the session should be ended. The skin will probably turn red indicating the increased circulation on the surface of the skin.

Benefits of cupping therapy

繚 Tight muscles are loosened
繚 Complete body relaxation
繚 Chronic pain is diminished
繚 Blood pressure is lowered
繚 Skin Tone is enhanced
繚 Promotes restful and peaceful sleep
繚 Concentration is improved
繚 Immune system is strengthened
繚 Improves range of motion
繚 Improves flexibility
繚 Relieves tiredness
繚 Relieves muscle aches
繚 Reduces cellulite
繚 Removes neck tension

Suction cup massage has unlimited possibilities with other modalities for overall health and pain management. The equipment is economical and easy for practitioners to maintain for patient therapy.