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Cupping Therapy
Cupping has been used all over the world to treat health conditions for thousands of years. The indirect pressure draws Sha to the surface of the tissues, allowing fresh blood to circulate, often bringing an immediate relief from pain. Cupping is a myofascial release technique and is an effective treatment for areas of sore and fatigued muscles. While the cups are on your skin, they loosen and lift your connective tissues, which increases blood and lymphatic flow to your skin and muscles. The targeted blood flow brings oxygen rich blood to the affected area. Your lymphatic system is responsible for clearing the cellular waste and toxins from your body.
What to expect during treatment?
The suction may feel tight at first (not painful) while it draws your tissue up into the cup. The pulling action engages the parasympathetic nervous system, thus allowing a deep relaxation to move through the entire body. It is not unusual to fall asleep when receiving this treatment. Cups will then be placed in areas of increase tension. Your body will acclimate to the feeling of the cups after just a few minutes. The number of cups your therapist uses will depend on what is being treated. If it’s your first time trying cupping, it is likely to use fewer cups for a less intense treatment. The cups will stay in place for 5-20 minutes, depending on specific needs. When it’s time to remove the cups, the release of pressure often feels calming, or like your body feels lighter and less tense.
About the markings/discoloration or Sha
It is important to understand that the markings from Cupping are NOT bruises. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the discoloration is called Sha, which translates to sand or silt. Sha is the granulation that occurs in the muscles and connective tissues when there is lack of circulation, increase of pain and tension. Cupping draws Sha to the surface while alleviating the stagnation underneath. The red marks are a result of the blood being pulled into that area. The darker the mark, the more stagnant fluids (toxins, blood and lymph) were dredged up during treatment. The marks last anywhere from a few hours to several days. The more often you receive cupping for the same issue, the lighter the marks will be.
Benefits
- Enhance Recovery (sports, injury or post surgery)
- Increase Circulation
- Increase Range of Motion
- Decrease Inflammation & Adhesions
- Decrease Tension & Chronic Pain
- Improve appearance of scars and cellulite
- Improve chronic headaches & sinus pressure
- Improve depression, anxiety & insomnia
- Improve Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Improves High Blood Pressure
Post Care 24-36 hrs
- Increase Water Intake
- Do not shower within 12-24 hours
- Keep the areas treated warm and covered
- Avoid extreme temperatures i.e. saunas, hot tubs or ice baths
- Avoid intense activity
- Avoid Alcohol
- It is normal to feel fatigued or experience flu-like symptoms the next day. This is your body processing and expelling the toxins that were released during your treatment.
- REST!
Contraindications
- Broken or dislocated joints
- Hives/Herpes/Shingles
- Psoriasis/Eczema/Rosacea
- Severe diseases i.e. cardiac failure, renal failure, hemophilia, leukemia, dermatosis
- 1st trimester Pregnancy
- Blood thinner medications
If you are interested in booking a session for Cupping Therapy, schedule your appointment with one of our skilled therapists!
Portland Location Cupping Therapist
Silvia Planas
LMT, Cupping
Book With Silvia in Portland
Beaverton Location Cupping Therapist
Ashley Jones
LMT, Cupping
Book With Ashley in Beaverton
Beaverton Location Cupping Therapist