Massage Cupping
Massage Cupping is a variation of the ancient healing technique known as Baguanfa. The practice of Baguanfa has been found in stone carvings and drawings and is documented in the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world. This therapy began with the use of a hollowed animal horn as a means of creating negative pressure over areas requiring treatment and evolved into the use of bamboo, ceramic, glass and rubber cups.
There are many forms of cupping including Dry and Wet Cupping, Needle Cupping, Moxa Cupping, Herbal Cupping and Moving or Massage Cupping. As a massage therapist, I practice Massage Cupping and will discuss the many benefits of this wonderful therapy.
As the massage cup is applied over soft tissue, atmospheric pressure in the area is decreased, and tissues are lifted upwards resulting in decreased compression on underlying tissues. Adhesions between tissues are stretched and released as the cup is moved in multiple directions. Blood and lymphatic vessels stretch, bringing increased circulation and improved lymphatic flow into and out of the area. As excess fluid shifts out of tissues, pressure on nerves is decreased, relieving pain and improving function. The shift in pressure created by the cup is also felt in joints, and the body is stimulated to increase production of synovial fluid.
Treatment for specific areas of pain and dysfunction will involve local application of cups, but many times the area treated extends beyond that. One or two cups are applied and are used to mimic massage movements with a gliding, lifting, rocking or twisting movement. Most clients will report feeling an immediate relief of pressure (tissues are lifted away from nerves and other structures) and a feeling of warmth or tingling (increased blood flow). As Massage Cupping releases adhesions, areas of pain and dysfunction can sometimes be sensitive, but open communication with your therapist can minimize this with adjustments to speed of cup movement and strength of cup suction.
Massage Cupping is usually done in conjunction with Swedish or Deep Tissue Massage, but can be used as a stand-alone therapy. The frequency and duration of treatments fluctuate and are determined by you and your therapist as you work together to begin the healing process.
If you are interested in trying Massage Cupping, call or email me and together we will design a program tailored to you!
Call Cariann Stafford at 336-324-5516 or email cariannstafford@live.com .
