The history of cupping therapy.
Cupping has been documented in Early Egyptian and Chinese medical practices, in historical accounts as far back as 3000 years. Traditionally, the cups used were made from animal horn, bamboo or pottery however modern cups are made with glass, plastic or silicon.
So what is cupping therapy and what are its benefits?
Using a suction cup, the practitioner creates negative pressure (decompression) to the centre of the area and compression at the edge of the cup, forming neurosensory modulation. When we suffer from an injury, chronic tension or stress, our soft tissues can sometimes become tense too. The cupping therapy creates a space between the soft tissue layers allowing freedom of movement. Cupping does not have to be painful! It will temporarily turn your skin red and sometimes leave a round bruise on your skin but this is not permanent nor painful. It offers many benefits such as:
- Relax muscles
- Minimise pain
- Increase in blood flow
- Increased range of motion
- Stimulate lymphatic flow
- Improve energy
- Facilitates the healing process and strengthens the immune system
What to expect during cupping therapy?
- Sensation of pulling skin
- Pressure depending on how much suction is used
- Localised heat
- Combined positive or active stretch and movement during treatment
- Cupping marks – ecchymosis (bruises) however, these only last up to a week
What areas can be treated with cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy is used on many body areas such as shoulders, back, hips, buttocks, legs and abdomen.
When can’t you get cupping?
- If you have an open wound
- Fragile skin
- Varicose veins
- Bleeding disorders
- Pregnancy
- Muscle dystrophy
- Pacemakers
- NO GO ZONE: neck, face, large blood vessels
About the therapist:
Tim Chen is our qualified Remedial Massage Therapist who is also qualified in dry needling and cupping. Tim graduated with a Diploma in Remedial Massage from Endeavour College of Natural and Health, Adelaide. He is a member of Massage & Myotherapy Australia (MMA) and is interested in learning new techniques to keep his skills such as treating muscle tension related to headaches, chronic lower back pain and shoulder discomfort.
To book cupping therapy with Tim, book an appointment below for a 20 minute or 40 minute remedial massage consultation or call (08) 8296 1755. Health benefits (massage extras) can be utilised in addition to a concession, pension or healthcare card.