Massage cupping therapy is a very old technique that has been brought over to the Western world from China. This ancient technique has been proving its effectiveness for thousands of years. It is a very simple treatment which likely makes many skeptical about how helpful it can be. However, the simplicity is what helps to make it so very beneficial.
The list of issues this can treat really is quite endless. The following are some of the most common reasons that people turn to this therapy:
This technique works to stimulate different parts of the body. A trained professional will know exactly where to place the cups to deliver the desired results. This therapy works for so many conditions by using negative pressure and suctioning. The combination of negative pressure and suctioning are capable of the following:
· Draining toxins
· Draining excess fluid
· Lifting connective tissue
· Releasing rigid soft tissue
· Loosening adhesions
· Sending blood flow to stagnant muscles and skin
This is a very simple process. A therapist will take the round, plastic bulb and place it on the inflicted area. A handle is pulled to create a vacuum. In most cases, the suction cups are only in place for five to ten minutes. The vacuum action works to stretch the skin to loosen muscles, carry nutrients to the inflicted area and draw blood to the area.
As the cups are in place, massage is performed around the cups. This further encourages the benefits and increases the action of the therapy.
Should Any Aftercare Occur After Massage Cupping Therapy?
For about six hours following a treatment, there are a few things that should be avoided. These include cold weather, strenuous activity and hot environments. It is also important to drink plenty of water to encourage further cleansing.
There are some things that will exclude a person from getting this therapy. Things like liver failure, pregnancy and ruptured spinal discs will prevent this therapy from being used. Also, these cups will not be placed on areas where skin integrity is compromised or at the site of an acute injury.
Sore skin and bruising are not uncommon with this therapy. These will go away in a relatively short period of time.. There will also be circular discoloration at the site of each suction cup. This is both an expected and wanted effect. This shows that the treatment was successful. The discoloration will go away and while it does look painful, it is not.
Detoxifying the body can help to prevent illness, reduce illness duration and alleviate pain.
Massage cupping is one of the most natural and effective ways to promote cleansing and detoxification. This therapy can be used for a variety of issues that can be helped by cleansing.
During a massage cupping session, multiple suction cups are placed on various points of the body. The back is the most common side to place these. These cups provide a vacuum-like effect. This forces blood flow to be stronger and it rushes to the area with the cup on it. At the same time, the vacuum-effect makes the body's tissues release toxins. These are then sent up and out and the body works to dispose of them.
The detoxifying and cleansing power of cupping is linked to the Chinese belief of energy and Chi. We become sick when our Chi is disrupted. With this therapy, the vacuum forces blood to rush the area, and therefore, results in better blood flow. When the blood is flowing as it should, energy will again move as it should. This results in reducing infection, wound healing, and of course, detoxification of the tissues.
The average amount of time that the cups are left in place is about five to ten minutes. This is enough time to encourage blood flow and the release of built up toxins. In some instances, the cups may be left in place for more or less time. This is usually at the discretion of the technician.
When you go for massage cupping you will be told that at least a few sessions are necessary. This will allow the practitioner to see the overall progress of detoxification. At the first session, the discoloration will be as dark as it will be. The discoloration stems from the amount of stagnation. When the skin is just slightly red, this means that the blood is circulating healthily. When the skin is a maroon color, this means that stagnation is moderate. When the skin is a deep plum color, this means that stagnation is severe.
As you have more sessions, the stagnation will decrease until there is none at all. For most people this takes about three to four sessions. Healthy blood circulation indicates that all unwanted toxins have been purged.
This therapy is very safe. There are a few conditions that this should not be done along with, such as pregnancy and ruptured spinal discs, but for the most part anyone can have this therapy done. To be completely safe, it is always a good idea to talk to a doctor before having it done.
One of the biggest concerns with this treatment are the discolorations. These are normal and they should occur. When they occur, it shows that the therapy is working. These occur due to a type of bruising. The capillaries in the area are breaking and the damaged area has a rush of fluids to it, resulting in the discoloration.
Like all bruises, these will go away. In general, they fade over the course of a few days. Like was said above, the darker the discoloration, the more toxins and stagnation have been removed.