Cupping Therapy (Vacuum Cupping, Chinese Cupping Massage)

What is it? It involves influencing the patient’s body, primarily the skin and subcutaneous tissue, using a vacuum cup. Cups can be made of glass, plastic, rubber, or silicone. The vacuum under the cup can be created by heating the cup’s walls with fire, pumping air with a pump, or deforming by squeezing it by hand. There are also devices for vacuum therapy – the essence of the work is the same.

There are three working options:

• Static placement for 15-20 minutes
• Dynamic massage
• Static placement + active movements The most effective are the last two or a combination of manual massage with cupping massage.

How does it work? A fold of skin is created under the cup, and a tissue tension zone forms around the cup. Thanks to the strong stretching of the skin and subcutaneous fascia, skin vessels dilate, blood flow increases, and trophism improves. Moving the cup in specific directions also has a lymphatic drainage effect (anti-edema action).

Also, by affecting the skin nerve endings, the cup can:

• Reduce back pain
• Have a calming effect (first stimulating, then inhibiting the central nervous system). This is especially important for athletes after intense training.

How is the treatment done? Massage is performed using oil; cups can be placed statically (in one place) without oil. The client sits or lies in a comfortable position. If active movements are required, they are performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

Does it hurt? No, the vacuum is adjusted according to the sensations of the massaged person: it should be perceptible but not painful.

Duration of the session: Static placement: 10-20 minutes Dynamic cupping massage: 5-30 minutes

See other recommended services: 

• Japanese facial lifting Kobido
• Honey massage
• Maderotherapy