Integrative Cupping Therapy
Cupping is a healing therapy used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and in various body work modalities. Myofascial or Integrative cupping has become an extremely popular technique for gently removing toxins from the and helping energy move around the body. It assists restore the body to a more natural relaxed state by: stimulating blood flow, relaxing congested muscles, treating stiffness in the body and relieving pain. It works by stimulating the meridians, the subtle channels of energy that run through the body. Cupping achieve similar results to Trigger Point Therapy and Acupressure, without the need for the practitioner any force. The vacuum effect of the cups draws the blood, toxins and qi from the deep tissues to the surface and ehance ciruculation and elimination of toxins.
What to expect in a cupping treatment
Massage oils are applied to the effected area and assessment of the condition is undertaken by the therapist. A rememdial massage may be used to commence the treatement and then appropriate cups are chosen for the treatment. All cups have a vacuum effect. There are glass, plastic and rubber cups of various shapes and sizes. The skin and superficial muscle is sucked into the cup, counteracting stagnant energy. The can be used in stationary positions or to glide along the muscles for release. This usually provides a deeply relaxing result and the pressure is adjusted according to the client’s comfort.
Cupping treatment causes no pain, but there can be a sensation of tightness on the area that has been sucked up into the cup, which is relieved when the cup is removed. Cups are placed strategically over meridians and over tight muscles or trigger points. They are left on for 5-20 minutes depending on the condition and the age of the client.
After cupping, it is normal to experience discolouration that looks like bruising on the skin. This can vary in colour from light pink/brown to bright red or dark purple. Practitioners see the bruising as a reflection of the degree of stagnation or otherwise in the patient in that area. The bruising, though, doesn’t feel painful, but it can look rather startling!
What Can Cupping Treat?
Cupping can be used to treat sprains, injuries to soft tissues, sore backs, hips or related pain, fluid retention, bronchitis, asthma or congestion among other complaints. Cupping works in a similar way to acupuncture, working as it does on the subtle energy channels in the body to treat stagnant energy and encouraging the flow of qi.
Increased blood flow into the cupping area allows that part of the body to heal more quickly by bringing toxins to the surface, which can then be released through the pores. By causing tissues to release toxins, cupping clears energy blockages and activates the lymphatic system. Several cups are usually placed on the body simultaneously and then left for up to 20 minutes.
Other Benefits of Cupping
The therapy can be very relaxing, always a good outcome in our busy world. It can also help loosen muscles and relieve pain, improve the flow of blood and lymph, and might also help lessen the appearance of cellulite! It has also been noted that it can help clear stretch marks or scar tissue when multiple treatments occur.
Caroline delivers the highest quality treatments of massage and cupping in Ringwood. Enjoy a massage today!