Working in a clinical setting, people often ask me questions like, “what are the benefits of cupping?” “Is cupping dangerous?” or “What, if any are the side effects of cupping?” As a massage therapist, I’m here to answer these questions for you.
Cupping is like an inverse deep tissue massage. It pulls muscular and fascial tissues up and out, stretching and releasing them to relieve restrictions. It also brings blood flow from the core to the surface, where it can nourish and oxygenate these tissues.
Many people wonder if it’s dangerous, and want to know why it leaves marks that look like bruising. Cupping pulls the blood flow nearer to the surface, without damaging the tissues the way a blunt force would that would cause a bruise. This method is completely safe when used by a professional who has been trained in cupping, like a massage therapist.
The benefits to cupping far outweigh the nasty looking marks (in my opinion!). I’ve seen patients who were in pain get relief by using cupping when massage therapy alone didn’t give the same results. For that reason I like to use cupping in most of my massage therapy sessions. It enhances the treatment results and leaves patients feeling relieved, relaxed and invigorated. I especially like to use this technique for patients who love deep tissue massage.
The only side effect of cupping is the round marks the cups leave, and there can be some tenderness to the tissues afterwards. People may also notice tenderness after a deep tissue massage. A good therapist should be mindful of their patient’s needs, and the intensity of the cups should be adjusted for each person individually depending on sensitivity.
All in all I give cupping a big thumbs up! It is safe and beneficial for most people, and aids in relaxation and pain relief. For more questions on cupping or to book a session please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. Try it out and let me know what you think!
Osteopathy, Psychotherapy, Massage Therapy & Acupuncture 