What is Myofascial Cupping?
Myofascial cupping is an ancient eastern healing art that is gaining popularity in the western world due to its many benefits. During a treatment, suction cups are used to create a negative pressure on superficial tissues to draw nutrient rich blood which promotes healing. Traditionally, in eastern medicine, they would use fire to remove the air from glass cups creating a vacuum effect, and place the cups along energy meridians. In most treatments, however, this is modified and the cups used are plastic or silicone with a suction gun to remove the air.
Benefits
Is it safe?
While cupping is extremely safe to use on most people, there are some contraindications that may prevent the use of cupping such as:
**Clients should take note that any cupping treatment has the potential to leave marks on the skin. These marks are not bruises and generally aren't tender, but can appear as light or dark red, or even purple in some cases. These marks can last anywhere from 1-7 days. Therefore, cupping is not recommended if, for example, you have a special occasion approaching and will be showing some skin!
Myofascial cupping is an ancient eastern healing art that is gaining popularity in the western world due to its many benefits. During a treatment, suction cups are used to create a negative pressure on superficial tissues to draw nutrient rich blood which promotes healing. Traditionally, in eastern medicine, they would use fire to remove the air from glass cups creating a vacuum effect, and place the cups along energy meridians. In most treatments, however, this is modified and the cups used are plastic or silicone with a suction gun to remove the air.
Benefits
- Healing tissues by bringing increased circulation and oxygen to enhance collagen production and tissue repair (great for scar tissue)
- Creates a negative pressure which passively stretches myofascial tissue, resulting in increased range of motion
- Assists in reduction of localized inflammation and helps with recovery
- Breaks up adhesions in the fascial and musculoskeletal tissues
- Clearing the pores and removing surface toxins while pulling out old stagnate blood and toxins from the deep myofascial tissues
- Increases fluid movement which helps with detoxification of the lymphatic system, and organ systems
- Relieves muscle spasms that often cause pain
- Relaxes the sympathetic nervous system to aid stress reduction and healing
- Stimulates the blood flow to rejuvenate skin, aiding in cellulite and edema reduction and skin toning/strengthening
Is it safe?
While cupping is extremely safe to use on most people, there are some contraindications that may prevent the use of cupping such as:
- History of vascular disease such as DVT or varicose veins
- Pregnancy
- Any bleeding, internal or external
- Open wounds or sensitive/fragile skin
- Young children
- Recent operation
- Heart problems
- Blood thinning medications
**Clients should take note that any cupping treatment has the potential to leave marks on the skin. These marks are not bruises and generally aren't tender, but can appear as light or dark red, or even purple in some cases. These marks can last anywhere from 1-7 days. Therefore, cupping is not recommended if, for example, you have a special occasion approaching and will be showing some skin!