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What is Cupping Therapy and Why do I love it so much?

aycan22

Updated: Oct 26, 2024


Don't leave!... it's not as bad as it might look.


This is dry cupping which are suction cups that lift the tissues. It might sound simple but it does alot.


I offer cupping therapy alongside my massage treatments for free.

See below for thermographic images of the effectiveness of cupping



Benefits of Cupping



  • Reduces pain

  • Reduces muscular tension by lifting and separating the layers of tissues which may have become tight, restricted and dehydrated.

  • Re-hydrates tissues by pulling fluids into them.

  • Works on the fascia which is a connective tissue that surrounds all muscles, organs, bones, and nerve fibers. (When fascia becomes tight it can limit range of movement and cause stiffness and pain throughout the body)

  • Causes vasodilation which is the opening and widening of blood vessels. This dramatically improves blood circulation and also reduces blood pressure.


  • Clears stagnation of waste products from the muscles.

  • Brings up blood (carrying oxygen), nutrients and fluids into malnourished muscles to allow for faster healing and recovery time. This also leads to stronger muscle fibers and tissues.


  • Clears the congestion that causes inflammation in the body. (pathogens, chemicals, toxins)


  • Has anti-inflammatory effects on the body by causing micro trauma to the skin. This triggers the bodies healing response and the release of helpful chemicals, fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen which maintain the structural integrity of tissues) and white blood cells.


  • Works with and supports the lymphatic system. (It's part of the immune system and helps protect the body from infection and disease)

  • Assists with neovascularization - a process of growing new blood vessels to support healthy tissues.



In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cupping is believed to work with the meridian lines (energy pathways in the body) to help balance the energy system and remove energetic blockages thus helping to regulate emotions.



Conditions Cupping can help with


  • Stiffness

  • Muscular pain (Lower back / Upper back / Neck / Shoulder / Hip etc)

  • Chronic pain

  • Headaches

  • TMJ (Pain in the Jaw and muscles)

  • Poor circulation

  • Arthritis

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Fibroids

  • Frozen shoulder

  • Sciatic pain from muscular nerve impingement

  • Recovery from sports

  • Fatigue

  • Edema

  • Constipation

  • Scar tissue


Who can't have Cupping?


Anyone with:

  • DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

  • Liver issues (because the liver will process the toxins released from the body)

  • Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia


Does cupping hurt?


Cupping shouldn't be too painful, it can be a bit uncomfortable at times but it will usually release and ease off.

I maintain communication with my clients and if anything is too painful I will always readjust the cupping.



How do I use the cups?


I begin with moving cupping by placing them on the skin and moving them around to release the fascia and improve blood circulation. Then I place them still on the body for approximately 3 minutes.



What are cupping marks?


The marks can vary in colour and signify different things. They will usually disappear within 7-10 days.




Thermographic images of the effects of cupping


This person was experiencing pain in the neck and upper right shoulder.

The cooler colours show cold / lack of circulation while the warmer colours represent heat. White indicating the highest level of heat.






Before the treatment.


Image shows heat and inflammation in the neck and shoulder.





After 10 minutes of moving cupping.


Image portrays the blood circulation and heat in the whole upper body.






Resting, 10 minutes after the treatment.


Image illustrates how the heat and inflammation from the neck and shoulder has dissipated.


Images taken from the Guide to modern cupping therapy by Shannon Gilmartin


After care


Sometimes you can feel tired after cupping, this is a sign that your body is working to clear the toxins and waste materials brought up from the treatment.


Occasionally people can experience some tightness in their muscles which release later that day or the next day.


Drink plenty of water after the treatment as you will need to replenish the fluids that have been pulled up into the tissues and surface layers. This will also assist with the removal of toxins and waste materials.



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Aycan - 07780 000714

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