Massage
Cupping Therapy:
Revitalizing an Ancient Art
New Life
Journal, April-May, 2003 by Anita
Shannon
The
therapeutic applications of cupping have been documented
through several thousand years of clinical experience. By
creating suction and negative pressure, cupping is used to
drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen adhesions and lift
connective tissue, and bring blood flow to stagnant muscles
and skin. Today, varied techniques using moving glass cups
greatly enhance many spa/body treatments and massage
modalities. This ancient method has been adapted for modern
use and intensifies the therapeutic aspects of current
treatments.
There are two main techniques of cupping: stationary and
moving "massage" cups. Stationary cups are placed on the
skin and left for a period of five to fifteen minutes. Four
to six cups may be applied and then removed cyclically in a
technique called "flash cupping." These methods are used
most commonly in Chinese Medicine. Stationary cupping is
often used on both adults and children in the home to
relieve cough and colds, along with certain asthmatic
conditions. In Europe, cups are frequently found on
pharmacy shelves, and in home medicine cabinets for family
use. Many people have memories of a grandmother who still
practiced cupping.
The other technique is moving cups, or "massage cups." This
is the more common use for massage therapists and other
healthcare practitioners. Before applying the cup, the
therapist administers plenty of oil to facilitate smooth
movement. When applying oil, they palpate the tissue to
discover the areas of tension and congestion; create the
vacuum and place the cup. The entire back may be treated,
including the neck, shoulders, middle and lower back, and
sacral area. The hip, thigh and abdominal areas may also be
treated.
People often describe a deep warmth and a tingling
sensation long after the treatment has ended. Cupping is
not an irritant to the skin or body. It draws the
inflammation out, yet does not add to it. This technique is
excellent when used as a contrast therapy with cold
compresses or liniments.
A favorite use of the cups is on the broad area of the
back. This is wonderfully effective as an addition to a
massage. The action on the nervous system is sedating, and
people will often descend into a profound state of
relaxation. Larger cups are used on the back, and a strong
vacuum will mimic the rolling action of deep tissue massage
without the discomfort. The movement may be long and
draining or circular and stimulating for stubborn knots and
areas of rigid tissue. The skin will turn red with strong
cupping, indicating that the circulation has been brought
to the surface. Application of liniments, analgesics, plant
hydrosols, and essential oil blends immediately after the
cupping will enable the absorption of the product deep into
the tissue. The increased local blood supply to the muscles
and skin will bring nourishment and allow for toxins to be
carried away via the veins. Another effective application
of the cupping technique is in the treatment of
cellulite.