Chinese Cupping & Chinese Massage Treatments

 

Chinese Cupping Treatment

This practice is used throughout Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been documented for thousands of years. More and more people in the Western world are turning to ancient techniques of Chinese medicine after conventional medical treatments fail them. However, several of these alternative treatments are

 still unfamiliar to Westerners.

 

While practices like acupuncture and acupressure have become familiar to most people, one less-talked-about Chinese medicine therapy that can benefit people suffering from chronic pain is called "cupping."

 

Cupping is a technique in which glass cups are heated from the inside with fire to create a vacuum and then placed on the afflicted area of the body. The cup's suction pulls at

the skin and is said to "suck out" the body's toxins. Sound uncomfortable? If done correctly, the practice can actually relieve much of the body's discomfort caused by the congestion of blood, energy or mucus, as well as swelling or pain.

 

Improved Energy Flow

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on the energy that flows throughout the body. Cupping seeks to balance that energy and correct any problems or points of restriction. The therapist places the cups along energetic pathways. The suction brings the energy to the surface of the skin and rids the underlying tissue of blockages that can create an energetic imbalance. According to Asian massage theory, the bruises that occur after treatments signify negative energy exiting the body.

 

 

Loosens Adhesions

 

Massage magazine also points out that cupping effectively loosens adhesions,  commonly known as knots. These tense spots can be tight and painful. They can also spread discomfort to surrounding muscle tissue. The cupping process loosens any stiff soft tissue that might be contributing to the knot. The softening effect also increases the benefit of regular massage, because after cupping the therapist is able to dig deeper into the tissue with his hands.

 

 

Increased Blood Flow

 

The vacuum suction increases blood flow to the areas underneath the cups. This helps invigorate the surrounding tissue, and drain waste and

debris away from the area.

 

 

Relaxation

 

The International Cupping Therapy Association reminds that cupping is also very relaxing. A cupping session can help relieve stress and tension. Some cupping

 therapists perform the suctioning over traditional reflexology points on the foot.

 

 Work on these points can soothe the entire body, and cupping amplifies this effect.

 

The vacuum holds the cups in place and in turn helps promote the flow of Qi and blood

where stagnation is causing pain or discomfort. Cupping is also a very useful treatment

for colds or flu and can promote a much faster recovery.

 

 

Benefits of Chinese Cupping

• Relieves chronic pain

• Loosens deep muscle knots

• Improves blood circulation

• Faster recovery from colds & flus

 

 

Testimonial:

 

"I found it amazing how deep the treatment went. Perfect for those knots that just won't go. It worked wonders on my back." Noémie