Cupping
What is cupping?
Cupping is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy that uses specially designed cups to create suction on the skin. Unlike traditional massage, which generally applies pressure to the muscles and surrounding tissues, cupping creates negative pressure, lifting the skin and underlying soft tissues.
Cupping temporarily increases local blood flow and help reduce muscular tension and improve movement. It also produce temporary circular marks caused by changes in the small blood vessels beneath the skin.
What do the colour of the marks mean?
The marks range from pink or red to dark purple, depending on the treatment time and the individual’s tissue response. As the marks fade, they may become lighter , similar to a bruise.
Darker marks are traditionally associated with greater areas of “stagnation” and tension, although the colour should not be used as a medical diagnosis. Marks usually remain visible for approximately 5–20 days.
Indications
Body cupping may be beneficial for clients experiencing:
* Musculoskeletal discomfort and muscular pain
* Muscle tension, tightness and stiffness
* Restricted range of movement (ROM)
* Reduced flexibility or mobility
* General aches associated with physical activity
* Areas of soft-tissue restriction
* Scar tissue and adhesions, where appropriate
* Athletic stress, muscular tension and minor soft-tissue strain
* Poor local circulation
* General relaxation and stress-related muscular tension
* Certain types of headaches associated with muscular tension
* Recovery following exercise or physical activity
* Sciatica
* Arthritis
* Fibromyalgia
* Digestive issues
* Bursitis, tendonitis
Contra indications - PLEASE READ before booking
* Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or suspected blood clots
* Aneurysm
* Haematoma
* Fever or a high temperature
* Acute or infectious illness
* Broken, cracked, damaged or infected skin
* Severely irritated, inflamed or hypersensitive skin
* Recent surgery, particularly around the treatment area
* Certain circulatory or vascular conditions
* Significant unexplained swelling or inflammation
* Acute injuries where cupping may aggravate the area
* Pregnancy
* Pacemaker
* Healing fracture
* Malignant tumour
* Herniated and bulging discs
* Muscle dystrophy
* Dislocated joint
* Uncontrolled low blood pressure or diabetes
* Any medical condition for which cupping has been advised against by a healthcare professional