Cupping is a very safe and non-invasive modality used by remedial massage therapists, myotherapist, physiotherapist, osteopaths and Chinese massage therapist.
The practitioner places a cup on the muscle of concern and the negative air pressure in the cup caused either by application of flame or suction device will pull all muscle, connective tissue ( fascia ), skin and blood flow into the cup circumference. The direct consequence of this will promote taught, hyper-irritable muscle fibres (trigger points) to be passively stretched and released. The extra blood flow ( from the pressure ) promotes further release and breakdown of these taught muscle fibres.
As a result of this pressure, bruise like marks can be left on the skin. Although they look like a bruise, they are far from this. The darker the mark usually represents the stagnant blood flow in the tight muscle that has been cupped. These marks will usually last for up to a week, fading as your body metabolises over days to follow.
Another benefit from cupping is you get ‘more for your dollar’ in the way of how much can be treated within your session; eg with one area being cupped (such us the upper thoracic region) and the practitioner is working on your lower back; its like having two people work on your back at once!!
