What is cupping?

Cupping therapy is about the therapeutic action of vacuum. The suction of the cup will cause blood to rush into the area under the cup, moving stagnant blood and increasing local blood circulation. Cupping can remodel congested fibrous tissue due to injury and pain, and can used to treat scar tissue and disperse trigger points, which means helping to heal soft tissue injuries, reduce muscle tension and pain.

Cupping is a technique used to affect the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds everything in the body, such as our muscles, and circulate blood to the area being treated. The cup produces a vacuum which lifts the fascia and tissue, the cups are then glided over the skin, and help mend the fascia back into place.

We use cups to treat all areas of the body such as neck, shoulder, back pain and tension due to trigger points and facial adhesions and congestion. Other areas include arms, hands, hips, legs.

Where did cupping originate?

Cupping therapy is known as a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that has been used for thousands of years, however it has also been used in Egypt, the Middle East, India, Africa and Ancient Greece. In Europe in the 20th century it became a popular treatment, the Royal Marsden Hospital in London had full-time ‘cuppers’, who were often doctors.

The Egyptians wrote about cupping in the ancient book Ebers Papyrus written in 1550 BC, the ancient Egyptians used cupping to treat fever, pain, menstrual imbalances, vertigo and reduced healing. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates also used cupping to treat both internal and structural diseases with the Hippocratic Corpus recommending cupping for various conditions such as re-adjusting spinal misalignments, uterine prolapse, painful ear, and sciatica.

Does cupping remove toxins?

Cupping has been shown to remove impure blood from the affected area, this impure blood can contain ‘toxins’ such as broken-down cells, clotted blood, scar tissue, and inflammatory chemicals. The cup moves the impure blood to the surface underneath the skin, where white blood cells can remove them.

Does cupping hurt?

Cupping creates a pulling or pinching sensation. Some people can be more sensitive to this than others, and of course it depends on muscle tension. Cupping can be painful, but also beneficial, and of course the more it is done, the less painful it is. If you are someone that likes a firm pressure during massage, you will most likely enjoy cupping.

How long are the cups left on for?

Cups are usually left on for about 5-10 minutes but can increase to 30 mins.

How long do cupping marks last?

Marks can last up to a week, with darker marks can last up to 20 days. Some areas go darker than others due to blood stagnation.

What else can cupping be used for?

Cellulite

Cellulite can be due to poor lymphatic drainage, and moving cupping is great for moving lymphatic fluid. As fat moves through the lymphatic fluid, moving the fluid can prevent fat deposit in an area, as well as stimulating collagen formation to firm the skin.

Stretch marks

Stretch marks are a normal part of life caused by rapid growth, pregnancy, weigh gain, however cupping can help break down the scars that are stretch marks by increasing collagen production and improving blood circulation.

Are all therapists trained in cupping in your Point Cook clinic?

Yes, so you can just add on the cupping option when booking a remedial massage