Cupping therapy, also known as Myofascial Decompression, is one of the oldest treatment inventions that dates back to 1500 BC. Over the years, China has provided extensive research on the effectiveness and benefits of cupping and they currently use this method in their hospitals.
In the study of HEALTH AND SKINCARE, we learn that the main principle of cupping is that it is believed that if you remove stagnation, you will remove the pain.
Cupping involves placing cups (made of glass, plastic, bamboo, or ceramic) on the skin to create a suction. This suctions creates a negative pressure environment, allowing for decompression as the skin draws into the cups thus lifting muscle fibers and drawing blood and toxins to the area.
There are two types of cupping methods, namely; wet and dry, as well as two cupping techniques, stagnant and dynamic. Fire cupping is most traditionally used by methods of quickly heating the inside of the cup with fire, suction is created when placed on the skin. Typically, 4 to 6 cups are used adhering to the skin for about 15 to 20 minutes. Facial cupping is said to be a natural facelift, resulting in greater blood flow to the face, reduced puffiness, and tightened skin.
While the cups are on your skin, they loosen and lift your connective tissues, which increases blood and lymph flow to your skin and muscles. The targeted blood flow brings oxygen-rich blood and lymph to the affected area.
After completing your qualification in HEALTH AND SKINCARE, as a massage therapist, you should know that cupping shouldn’t be painful, it may, however, cause temporary bruising (known as ecchymosis), swelling or soreness, depending on the individual or amount of treatments done. The darker the mark, the more stagnant fluids (toxins, blood, and lymph) were dredged up during treatment. The marks last anywhere from a few hours to several days. The more often you receive cupping for the same issue, the lighter the marks will be.
The following are the benefits of cupping massage therapy:
- Increases circulation
- Encourages tissues to release toxins
- Reduces anxiety
- Reduces stretch marks and scars
- Improves varicose veins and spider veins
- Clear congestion and help treat asthma
- Clear colon blockages and aid digestion
- Reduces inflammation
- Increases range of motion
Even if considered safe, cupping isn’t for everyone. As a qualified HEALTH AND SKINCARE therapist, please advise your client against cupping if they present with the following precautions:
- If your client I feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- If your client is experiencing flu-like symptoms
- If the client is nauseous
- If the client has body aches.
- Not recommended for people with liver, kidney, or heart failure or those with a pacemaker.
- If the client suffers from hemophilia, anemia, or similar blood disorders,
- If the client is on blood thinners.
- If pregnant avoid cupping the abdomen and lower back
- If there is suspicion of an infection or an open wound, cupping shouldn’t be performed.