What Is Massage Cupping
	Massage cupping is an exciting modern adaptation of the ancient art of cupping therapy. Cupping is a subtle, yet powerful addition to any healthcare practice and complements many healing modalities. This technique is also easily used at home for treating many common conditions. Through several thousand years of clinical experience, the therapeutic applications of cupping have been documented. By creating suction and negative pressure, cupping is used to: 1) drain excess fluids and toxins 2) loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue 3) bring blood flow to stagnant skin and muscles 4) stimulate the peripheral nervous system Varied techniques using stationary and moving glass cups greatly enhance many spa/body treatments and massage modalities. This method has been adapted and duplicated by modern lymphatic drainage machines. Cupping intensifies the therapeutic aspects of current treatments and is a subtle, yet very powerful, addition to any spa or private practice. The cups are inexpensive, the therapy is fun and result-oriented, and the treatments create the perfect add-on to a service. History of Cupping Cupping developed over time from the original use of hollowed animal horns to drain toxins out of snakebites and skin lesions. Horns evolved into bamboo cups, which were eventually replaced by glass. Therapeutic applications evolved with the refinement of the cup itself, and with the cultures that employed cupping as a health care technique. The true origin of cupping therapy remains in obscurity. The Chinese expanded the utilization to include use in surgery to divert blood flow from the surgery site. Cupping eventually developed into a separate therapy, with healers treating a variety of conditions. Early written records date from 28 AD, and a traditional Chinese saying indicates "acupuncture and cupping, more than half the ills cured". Chinese medicine observes that cupping dispels stagnation of Blood and Chi, along with external pathogenic factors that invade a weakened constitution. A depleted constitution is often a result of depleted "Jing Chi", or original essence. This will often progress to a weakened "Wei Chi", or defense (immune system). The Egyptians produced a text on ancient medicine that discussed the use of cupping for conditions such as fever, pain, vertigo, menstruation imbalances, weakened appetite and accelerating the "healing crisis" of disease. From the Egyptians, cupping was introduced to the Greeks and eventually spread to ancient cultures in many countries of Europe and even the Americas. In recent history, European and American doctors widely used cupping in practice into the late 1800's. Research papers were written in the 19th century, and a collaborative effort between the former Soviet Union and China confirmed the clinical efficacy of cupping therapy. It became an official therapy to be found in all Chinese hospitals. Breast cupping became common for inflamed breasts and lactation dysfunctions. The familiar breast pump emerged from this. The 20th century brought about a decline in interest as technology and machines came into use. New cupping sets were introduced using pumps to create the vacuum, and these sets were carried by medical supply companies well into the 1940's. Current Applications of Cupping Therapy With this rich history of medical application, how does cupping fit into the spa industry? A favorite use of the cups is on the broad area of the back. This is an incredible prelude to a facial, and is wonderfully effective as an addition to a massage. The action on the nervous system is sedating, and clients will often descend into a profound state of relaxation. The compliment of a deep snore is common! On a deeper therapeutic level, cupping is very beneficial for many conditions such as high blood pressure, anxiety, fatigue, chronic headache, fibro myalgia and neuralgia. Contracted, congested muscle tissue will soften quickly with only a few minutes of massage cupping. Larger cups are used on the back, and a strong vacuum will mimic the rolling action of deep tissue massage without the discomfort. The movement may be long and draining or circular and stimulating for stubborn knots and areas of rigid tissue. The skin will turn very red with strong cupping, indicating that the circulation has been brought to the surface. Application of liniments, analgesics, plant hydrosols and essential oil blends immediately after the cupping will enable the absorption of the product deep into the tissue. The increased local blood supply to the muscles and skin will bring nourishment and allow for toxins to be carried away via the veins. The sensation is truly indescribable! Clients often describe a deep warmth, and a tingling sensation long after the treatment has ended. Cupping is not an irritant to the skin or body. It draws the inflammation out, yet does not add to it. This technique is excellent when used as a contrast therapy with cold compresses or liniments. The cups may also be manipulated to mimic other massage techniques without the normal stress on the hands of the therapist. Another profound application of the cupping technique is in the treatment of cellulite. Our industry has many fine pieces of equipment to choose from, and cupping performs many of the same functions manually. A very light suction provides drainage, while heavier application can be used to stimulate circulation and loosen adhesions or "dimpling". The thighs and hip region should be cupped prior to a wrapping procedure to enhance the absorption of product. The temperature of a soaked herbal sheet or bandages is not as crucial since the circulation has already been stimulated, so a more comfortable wrap is possible. Clients also enjoy the warm feeling of cupped, energized tissue being painted with soothing algae, mud or gel before being enveloped. Mobile Cupping Mobile cupping can cover larger area of body; and thicker muscles. Single cup will be used and moving over the surface of the body while there is suction.