Last Minute Massage Blog

So, I’ve learned by now that there are many different ways to massage.  Whether is with bamboo, essential oils or a therapists hands.  There are numberous ways to massage.  There is, however, one form of massaging that I haven’t researched (well, I’m positive there are way more than just one way of masasge that I haven’t ressearched, but this one is popular).

Massage cupping is an ancient technique that has found its place in the modern world of healing. Massage cupping is a modified version of the common practice of cupping therapy, used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and the results that this simple treatment produces are impressive. Through suction and negative pressure, massage cupping releases rigid soft tissue; drain excess fluids and toxins; loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue; and bring blood flow to stagnant skin and muscles. 

So, how do you cup? 

The supplies that are needed for this technique are minimal: cups; isopropyl or de-natured alcohol; cotton balls; a candle and lighter; and clamps to hold the cotton. Place the candle (in a holder) on a towel, and light it. Hold a cotton ball in the clamps and add 5-10 drops of alcohol. Move the cotton over the candle flame to light it, and then insert it into a glass cup to create a vacuum. Quickly move the cup over to the area to be worked on, remove the cotton ball and invert the cup onto the body. The heat creates a seal that adheres to the body. If the seal breaks, simply repeat the process. If using a manual vacuum set, place the cup on the body and activate the pump to remove air.

There are two main uses of cupping: stationary and in massage. Stationary cupping is used in TCM to clear stagnation of blood; to facilitate the release of pathogenic factors; and to dispel internal heat. Cups are placed on the skin and left for five to 15 minutes. Four to six cups may also be applied and then removed cyclically in a technique called flash cupping. Both methods are commonly used for treating lung congestion and for removing heat from the body. The stimulation on the back, over the lungs, activates the ciliary escalator of the lungs and facilitates expectoration of congested material. The other action is to bring heat from the lungs to the surface of the skin to be eliminated. Stationary cupping sometimes results in rings and circles on the back as toxins and blood move to the surface.

Cupping used for massage is the more common form among practitioners of Western healing arts. Before applying the cups, administer plenty of oil on the areas to be cupped, to facilitate smooth movement. Take this opportunity to palpate areas of tension and congestion. Place the cup on the area, grasp it with one or two hands, and begin to glide it over the skin. The movement should be smooth, without pressing down, as this will inhibit the suction effect.

Pressure Matters
Always ask the client if the pressure is uncomfortable in any way. Almost all areas of the body may be worked on, including the neck, shoulders, middle and low back, and sacrum. The stomach, hips and thighs require a gentler suction.

Watch closely to determine the circulatory reaction and adjust the suction as needed. It is a good idea to start with a medium to light pressure and increase slowly. Marks may occur with very strong cupping – and while this may be considered beneficial in TCM, this is usually not the way to send a client home from her massage. Be sure to acquire proper training and then practice on family, friends and co-workers before working on clients.

Remember that the intensity of the cupping depends on a few factors:
1) How quickly the cup is placed on the skin after the flame is removed.
2) The strength of the flame (certain alcohol burns hotter than others).
3) The size of the cup.
4) If using a vacuum set, the pump will determine the suction.

There are additional safety considerations to be aware of when integrating cupping into your practice. Most of them are common sense, yet ought to be seriously considered. This is one of the greatest reasons to acquire adequate training before starting to work on clients.

Have fun future cuppers!  Go try it!

thanks,
Tiffany
Last Minute Massage