A Brief Overview
When it Started- Cupping has been said to have been around for thousands of years. This ancient practice used largely by the chinese became widely used throughout the world in the 1800's.
What it has been used for - Cupping has been used for a variety of pain, illness, and disease. Some of these ailments include pain, fever, menstruation problems, vertigo, decrease in appetite, and other areas of sickness in which healing was needed.
How massage cupping therapy works - According to the Chinese, massage cupping therapy works by dispelling blood and chi that have been blocked or stagnant. Chi is known as the life force that is in all living beings. Most cultures believe in a type of energy or life force that drives us all, so whatever you may call it, massage cupping helps to distribute that throughout your body and work toward healing and balance.
Evolving methods - Methods used in massage cupping therapy have changed here and there depending on culture and experience. Even the cups used have changed. In ancient times some of the first cups used were animal horns and bamboo. Today glass cups are used.
How it suctions - A glass cup is applied to the skin and then the air is sucked out of the cup (sometimes the cup is heated) and the pressure inside the cup is reduced. There is usually a small hand pumped attached to the cup which enables the therapist to suction out the air. The skin and layer of superficial muscle are vacuumed into the cup and held there for around fifteen to twenty minutes during the massage cupping therapy. There will be some bruising around the area where the rim of the cup was held.
How it moves - Since the cupping is done throughout the body and doesn't just stay stationary, massage oil is used to help the glass glide around on the skin. It's especially useful and therapeutic to use warming oil since this also gives the skin an all over warm, relaxed feel. There are different techniques that are used within cupping therapy.
Used in conjunction with massage therapy, physical therapy, or other types of massage, massage cupping therapy will relax you to the very core of your body. The deep, warm glow that circulates throughout your body will relieve the stresses you had when you arrived and you'll leave feeling invigorated and rejuvenated.
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