Massage Cupping
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I use a cupping set?
Massage cupping sets come in a variety of materials, sizes and for many uses. Before performing cupping therapy consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper application technique.
- Clean the treatment area thoroughly and remove body hair.
- Choose appropriate cup sizes for the treatment area and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and intact.
- Moisturize the treatment area with oil or lotion.
- Apply the cup to the skin. Although application techniques vary, all cups attach to the body through the use of suction. Once attached, cups can be easily moved around on properly hydrated skin. When moving a cup, grip it near the skin with one hand and use the freehand to gently hold the skin taut behind the cup as it moves. This technique offers a soothing massage effect to the treatment.
- Repeat these steps to add as many cups to the treatment area as needed.
- After about 3 minutes, simply release the pressure in the cup by pulling up on the cup's valve to release vacuum.
What is the best cupping therapy set?
Massage cupping supplies are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. When choosing a cupping kit, consider five key factors: cup material, desired suction strength and features, sizes of the cups included, number of cups per set and price point. Although cupping professionals tend to favor glass cups, silicone and plastic cups are the most popular for at-home use. Glass cupping cups typically require a skilled technique as the suction can be significantly more intense. Features can include biomagnetic needles, negative ionic rimmed cups, and TENS cups. Many cupping therapy sets come with carrying cases, suction pumps and anywhere from 4 to 15 cups in different sizes.
What is cupping massage therapy?
Cupping therapy is an ancient, holistic method of treating a variety of ailments through enhancing blood flow through the use of suction. Though the exact origin of cupping is debatable, its use has been documented in both early Egyptian and Chinese medical practices. Today cupping therapy is commonly used to decompress and release adhesions, scar tissue, relax muscles in spasm, decrease trigger point pain, lymphatic drainage, decrease tissue changes and inflammation.
Cupping massage therapy is the practice of combining traditional cupping techniques while moving the cups around the affected area. The act of moving the cups over the skin while maintaining suction provides an added level of pain relief and muscle soothing to traditional massage. Cupping massage supplies for at-home use or professional cupping sets are readily available and easy to incorporate to existing massage treatments or self-care routines.