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Gary's Cupping Massage is a hybrid session consisting of Thai Massage and Chinese cupping techniques and is an excellent alternative for those that enjoy deep tissue work without the deep tissue intensity! Details below...
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*Although the skin discoloration looks like bruising it is not. The marks that are commonly left from Massage Cupping treatments are a desired effect. Read more about discoloration below...
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*An excellent compliment to any wellness regimen. EMAIL Gary with questions or to schedule an appointment.
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Gary's Massage Cupping:
Gary combines a modern form of Vacuum therapy derived from Traditional Chinese Cupping with Thai massage techniques. He uses medical grade silicone cups for a variety of issues. Sessions can focus on detoxing as well as deep muscular relaxation in the body. The cupping portion of the session is generally focused on the clients back as pictured above, however these techniques can be applied to the rest of the body for specific issues as well. Please consult with Gary prior to your session with any specific requests or concerns. |
Benefits of Cupping:
Whether or not you are suffering from symptoms of pain or muscle stiffness, cupping is a great therapy. It provides numerous benefits including:
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The Inverse of Massage:
The suction provided by the silicon cups causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. Cupping is much like the inverse of massage - rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward. For most clients, this is a particularly relaxing and relieving sensation. |
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What is the discoloration that occurs with a cupping treatment?
Although the skin discoloration looks like bruising it is not. The marks that are commonly left from Massage Cupping treatments are a desired effect. Parking the cups for a period of time in one place helps bring toxins, inflammation, blood and lymph to the skin’s surface. This helps release any stagnation that may be settling in the body, creating poor energy flow or compromising the immune system. |
Contraindications:
Cupping is contraindicated in cases of severe diseases, i.e. cardiac failure, renal failure, ascites due to hepato-cirrhosis and severe edema, as well as hemorrhagic diseases such as allergic pupura, hemophilia and leukemia, and clients with dermatosis, destruction of skin, or allergic dermatitis. Cupping should not be applied on the portion where hernia exists or has occurred in the past. For pregnant women, the lower abdomen, medial leg and lumbosacral region should be avoided. If there is doubt with any condition you should consult Gary for an opinion or choose another service. |
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More on Cupping Therapy:
Cupping is an ancient Chinese method of causing local congestion. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place. Cupping therapy has been further developed as a means to open the 'Meridians' of the body. Meridians are the conduits in the body through which energy flows to every part of the body and through every organ and tissue. There are five meridians on the back that, when opened, allow invigorating energy to travel the whole length of the body. It has been found that cupping is probably the best way of opening those meridians. Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins. Cupping is the best deep tissue massage available. Cupping, the technique, is very useful and very safe. |
Aftercare Following Cupping or Gua Sha:
Cupping and gua sha often leave marks that can last from one day to one week. Because these techniques open the skin’s pores to facilitate the release of heat, wind, or toxins, the areas we have worked on should be considered vulnerable to “invasion” by wind, cold, dampness, and other elements that can create stagnation and pain. Therefore, please make sure to keep the areas worked on covered and away from coldness or wind for several days. If possible, try not to bathe for 12 hours after cupping or gua sha. Please make sure to drink enough water so that your body can flush out any stagnation that was released from your muscle layer. Sometimes after cupping or gua sha, the area may feel a little sore or you may feel a little tired, as if you did some exercise. This may last for up to 24 hours after a treatment. Cupping and gua sha may not only remove physical blocks, but also emotional stagnation. Therefore, after cupping and gua sha please do your best to observe your feelings and give your body and and being what it needs or is asking for, whether that is water or rest, great food, silence, or anything else. At any point after your treatment, please feel free to contact Gary if you would like to discuss any of the effects of your treatment that concern you. |
