Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese method of causing local congestion. It has been practiced for thousands of years for the treatment of diseases and pain.
By creating suction and negative pressure, cupping is used to drain excess fluids and toxins; stimulate the nervous system; bring blood flow to the stagnant muscles and loosen adhesions, connective tissue and stubborn 'knots'.
A partial vacuum is created in glass cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissue of the body.

What are the benefits?

Cupping is believed to stimulate the flow of blood and lymph to the affected area. Massage cupping is often used on broad areas on the back to break up stagnated waste and stubborn adhesions
Cupping is not only beneficial for muscular pain, it can also be used for the following conditions:
general muscular tension,
common colds and flu, 
sporting injuries and 
menstrual pain.

What to expect during your treatment

The therapist will take a number of glass cups to apply to your body. For each cup used, a vacuum is created using a naked flame. The cup is then applied to the skin. In order to allow easy movement of the glass, oil is applied. The suction anchors the cup to the body and the area of skin covered is drawn up a few millimeters into the cup. The cups are then left on the body whilst the area beneath is being treated and the energy is moved. Generally, the cups are left in place for approx 10 minutes as the skin begins to redden due to the congestion of blood flow.

How does it feel?

Cupping is comfortable and relaxing. The sensation is often characterized as deep warmth and tingling long after the treatment has ended. Cupping draws the inflammation out of the problem area yet does not add to it and is excellent when used as a contrast therapy with oils or liniments. The skin will redden with strong cupping, indication that circulation has been brought to the surface. The increased local blood supply to the area will nourish the muscles and skin, and allow the toxins to be carried away.

How you will feel afterwards.....

The Bruises

After a cupping session, you will notice your skin will come up in red welts or bruises. This discoloration of the skin is not caused by broken vessels or tissue trauma, but through the drawing up of waste products to the surface for excretion. These marks generally only last between two to seven days

The Tiredness

Most often, the effects of cupping feel the same as after a strong, deep tissue massage.  Occasionally, you may feel a little run-down while the body is cleaning out the waste products. Therefore, it is very important to slow down and drink small amounts of water as often as possible.

The Relief

After your treatment, you will immediately feel the results. You will feel a lot looser and the muscular pain will be relieved quite considerably or eliminated completely. The feeling of sore, aching muscles will be replaced with a deep feeling of relaxation and well-being