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Myofascial Cupping Therapy

 

What is Cupping? History of Cupping

​Cupping is an ancient modality tracing back to Egypt around 1550 BC and spread via trade routes into China and Arabia. Its purpose varied by culture: the Egyptians used cupping to cure sores and poisonous animal bites; in Chinese medicinal theory, cupping was used to move blood and Qi (energy) through the body; and in parts of Europe, this therapy was used to treat aches, pains, and ailments such as chest and sinus infections.

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In modern practice, cupping is often associated with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is usually performed with glass cups and the use of fire to create suction (negative pressure) on the skin. The end result often appears as discoloration on the skin such as bruising or redness, and can be indicative of blood or fluid stagnation, which can then point to physical conditions such as limited range of motion (ROM) or pain in a certain area of the body.

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How is Cupping Used in Massage Therapy

​Myofascial Cupping as a modality has definitely made its way into the world of massage therapy as an additional technique to aid in soft tissue manipulation. It can help loosen fascia, encourage circulation (especially in an area of focus), increase ROM, and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system for overall relaxation.

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However, cupping performed by a massage therapist is done without the use of fire (per liability insurance). It also focuses less on energy meridians (in TCM based theory) and is utilized in a more technical, therapeutic application (addressing areas of pain, tension, limited ROM, etc).

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Who is a Candidate for Myofascial Cupping Therapy?

​Clients who respond positively to deep tissue/deeper pressure are great candidates for cupping. Also, any client who demonstrates clear signs of limited ROM, tension or musculoskeletal pain/discomfort in a localized area can receive cupping in a specific focus area. Lastly, clients who have a history of cupping can certainly ask their massage therapist to incorporate it into their session.

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Contraindications of Cupping

​Cupping is not for everyone, and there are key contraindications that need to be explicitly expressed to any client who is considering this treatment as part of their wellness plan.

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Cupping is not recommended if any of the below apply:

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- You are pregnant
- You have an active cancer and are receiving cancer treatments
- You are on blood thinners, anticoagulants, or antiplatelet drugs
- You are on steroids (prednisone, hydrocortisone), antibiotics, antidepressants, or NSAIDS (regular, consistent use)
- You have a condition such as hemophilia
- You have an organ dysfunction (liver, kidney, etc)
- You have a pacemaker
- You have a form of dermatitis (psoriasis, etc), specifically in a local area of focus
- You have circulatory issues
- You have arthritis
- You have an acute infection (cold, etc) or a fever​

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