FAQ Cupping
What are the benefits of cupping?
Cupping is frequently used for muscle pain and tightness. The suction created by the cups loosens and lifts connective tissue, which increases blood flow to areas that may have poor circulation.
Cupping can improve old restrictions from injuries and surgeries by breaking up scar tissue and bringing nutrient rich blood to the area. Cupping can decrease pain and inflammation, help reduce cellulite, and stimulate the lymphatic system, which can, in turn, help with digestive issues and fatigue.
Releasing pain and tightness from the body with cupping can bring a great sense of relief from insomnia, irritability, anxiety, depression, and other emotional distress. As with any other manual therapy bodywork, the results of cupping can vary from person to person depending on skin type, age, diet, circulatory and lymphatic health, hydration levels, level of fitness, lifestyle, etc.
Acupuncturists often use cupping to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, sinus congestion, mild colds, and lingering coughs. Cupping over the upper back and chest works to loosen congestion and fluids from the lungs so that the body can more easily expel them.
What are the cups made of, and how do they stay on?
Traditionally, cups were made of animal horn, bamboo, shells, or other natural materials. These days, cups are typically made of glass, plastic, or silicone. In Chinese medicine, glass cups are applied to the skin using a small flame to heat the inside of the cup, which creates a vacuum effect. The flame is quickly removed, and the warm glass cup is applied to the skin. Plastic cups use a handheld pump to create suction, and silicone cups are manually squeezed and placed onto the skin.
In order to avoid the hazards of fire cupping, silicone cups will be used for any cupping therapy performed during your session at my office.
What type of cupping do you do?
Moving Cups: Oil is applied to warm and lubricate the skin before cups are introduced. Cups are then placed and continuously moved over an area for several minutes to release tension. There is often less skin discoloration with moving cups as compared to stationary cups.
Stationary Cups: Cups may be placed on a problem area from 5 to 15 minutes to release tension and increase blood flow. You may notice the area get red, an indication of healthy blood flow. Any marks you see on your skin may take up to 1-2 weeks to completely disappear. Darker discoloration generally indicates more stagnation and waste present in the tissue.
Is cupping painful?
Some discomfort is normal but cupping shouldn’t be painful. You should be able to enjoy and relax during your session. The novel sensations of cupping may feel unusual until your body becomes accustomed. The suction of the cups can be minimal or intense, similar to massage. Some people like more pressure, while others prefer a very gentle suction. If you are experiencing pain at any point, the cups will be adjusted to your comfort level. Clients sometimes report feeling a little sore after cupping; this is normal, just like you might feel sore after a deep tissue massage.
Will cupping leave marks on my body?
Most likely, yes. This is normal. For most people, cupping marks disappear after a few days; for others, cupping marks can stick around for up to 2 weeks. Stationary cups will often leave circular marks ranging in color from pink to red or purple. Moving cups may leave a less distinct mark, as the cups are being continuously moved over a broader area. Usually the marks are darker if someone has never had cupping (or hasn’t had it in a long time), or if a muscle is very tight or subjected to repetitive use. Cupping marks can also be darker when the body is under a lot of stress.
The good news is, with regular, repeated treatment, cupping marks tend to get lighter and disappear faster as the body improves circulation to the affected area.
*Please consider the timing of your Cupping Therapy appointment. If you have any upcoming special events (e.g. beach trips, weddings, work events etc.) where you do not want visible marks showing on your skin; it is advised to skip cupping until after your event, as marks can last for up to a couple of weeks.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t receive cupping?
While cupping works well for a lot of people, it isn’t necessarily the right therapy for everyone. It’s important that the practitioner evaluates the integrity of the client’s skin before performing cupping. Cupping is not performed over open wounds or broken bones, very thin skin, or over areas of eczema or psoriasis. Patients with circulatory disorders or diabetes are evaluated on a case-by-case basis
Cupping is not safe for pregnant women, people with bleeding disorders, cancer, organ failure, an active fever, those taking blood thinners, seniors with weak constitutions or anyone highly sensitive to bodywork. If you are interested in cupping, and believe it might benefit you, please discuss first with your massage therapist and health care practitioners to find out if cupping is an appropriate modality for your body.
How do I prepare myself for a cupping massage?
Hydrate: Water is essential for your health, especially your lymphatic system. Cupping supports your lymphatic and circulatory health and is more effective when the body is hydrated. Your lymphatic system clears away cellular waste from your body and it needs plenty of water to do this effectively.
Eat something. You want to be nourished, not hungry, when receiving bodywork. Eating something ahead of time reduces the risk of dizziness or headaches after cupping. Try to eat at least an hour before your appointment time so that you have time to digest and are able to lay down comfortably on the massage table.
Don’t shave or exfoliate the area you will be receiving cupping on the same day of your appointment. Your therapist doesn’t mind stubble and your skin will thank you.
Recover from sunburn first. When you receive cupping you may feel like that area is warmer than normal. Neither the friction or heat from cupping will feel good on sunburned skin. Apply aloe and wait until your sunburn has fully healed before receiving cupping.
How do I take care of myself after a cupping session?
Drink plenty of water. At least half your body weight in ounces daily. It is just as important to drink water after your session as it is before. Water helps flush your system of the cellular waste that cupping helps to release from your tissues.
Stay warm and keep skin covered. Do not expose your skin to cold, windy conditions, including air conditioning!
Avoid hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, direct sunlight etc. After cupping your skin will be more sensitive to temperature in the areas where the cups were placed. Give your skin time to recover. If possible, shower with filtered water.
Avoid strenuous or intense exercise on the same day as cupping. Let your body relax and heal.
Eat healthy, light, unprocessed foods, avoid excess sugar, alcohol and drugs while your body is recovering.
Most people feel relaxed and a little tired after a cupping session. Occasionally people will feel more energized. How you feel will depend on the reason you’re receiving cupping therapy, and how your body responds. The best way to recover and make cupping marks go away quicker is to simply to hydrate and rest!