Cupping! What Is It? How Does It Work?
Cupping is an ancient form of alternative therapy that involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. This practice has been used for thousands of years, with roots in traditional Chinese medicine, Middle Eastern cultures, and ancient Egyptian medicine.
What Is Cupping?
Cupping therapy uses glass, bamboo, silicone, or plastic cups to create a vacuum effect on the skin. The suction pulls the skin and underlying tissues upward, which can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote healing.
Types of Cupping
Dry Cupping – Suction is created using heat or a pump, and the cups remain on the skin for 5–15 minutes.
Wet Cupping (Hijama) – After suction, small incisions are made to draw out a small amount of blood.
Moving Cupping – Cups are glided over the skin with oil to provide a massage-like effect.
How Does It Work?
Suction Effect: The vacuum pulls blood to the surface, increasing circulation in that area.
Fascia Release: It helps loosen tight muscles and connective tissue.
Inflammation Response: Triggering controlled inflammation promotes healing and tissue repair.
Nervous System Effects: Can reduce pain and promote relaxation through stimulation of sensory nerves.
Benefits of Cupping
Reduces muscle tension and pain
Promotes blood flow and healing
Supports detoxification
Helps reduce inflammation
May improve range of motion and flexibility
Eases anxiety and fatigue
What to Expect
Cups stay on for a few minutes.
You might feel pressure or tightness, but it shouldn’t hurt.
Circular red or purple marks may appear—these are not bruises but signs of increased blood flow. They fade within a few days.
Did you know that here at Jupiter Massage & Pilates, we offer cupping during your massage for no extra charge!? Cupping is a technique that uses small cups and suctions an area of your body and while doing this it allows blood flow to the area while loosening the muscles. It also can sedate the nervous system which is excellent for high blood pressure! It can relieve pain, muscle tightness, fatigue, anxiety, and migraines. Schedule an appointment today to incorporate cupping into your massage!
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