Experience the rejuvenating benefits of cupping therapy, from pain relief to stress reduction and improved circulation.
If you’re seeking a holistic approach to wellness and pain relief, cupping therapy might be the solution you’ve been searching for. With roots dating back centuries, this ancient practice has gained popularity in modern times for its potential to alleviate various ailments and promote overall well-being.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction gently lifts the skin and underlying tissues, promoting blood flow and stimulating the body’s natural healing process. The cups can be made of glass, silicone, or bamboo, and practitioners often use heat or manual pumps to create the suction effect.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy:
Types of Cupping performing at Vitalis Physiotherapy:
FIRE CUPPING THERAPY
SLIDING CUPPING THERAPY
Fire cupping involves briefly heating the air inside the cup before placing it on the skin. The heat creates a vacuum effect, drawing the skin and underlying tissues into the cup.
Sliding cupping therapy is a traditional healing technique where cups are moved across the skin after creating suction. It is commonly used in conjunction with stagnant cupping. This combined approach facilitates myofascial release, promoting circulation and relieving muscle tension.
Here’s what you can expect during a fire cupping session:
- Consultation: your therapist will start with a consultation to understand your medical history, current health concerns, and specific areas of discomfort.
- Preparation: you will be asked to lie down comfortably, and the therapist will clean and sanitize the area of your skin where the cups will be applied.
- Creating Suction: the therapist will briefly ignite a cotton ball soaked in methylated spirits, place it inside the cup to create heat, and then quickly remove it before placing the cup on your skin. The heat creates a vacuum effect, causing the skin to rise into the cup.
- Application: the cups are placed on specific points on your body, typically along the back, shoulders, and other areas where you experience pain or tension.
- Duration: the cups are left in place for about 5 to 15 minutes. During this time, you will feel a pulling sensation as the suction draws the skin and underlying tissue into the cup.
- Completion: after the session, the therapist will remove the cups and may perform a gentle massage to enhance relaxation and improve circulation. You may notice circular marks on your skin, which are normal and usually fade within a few days to a month. The duration can vary based on the darkness of the circles; generally, darker marks may take longer to disappear.
Here’s what you can expect during a sliding cupping session:
- Consultation: Your therapist will begin with a thorough consultation to discuss your medical history, current health status, and areas of concern that could benefit from cupping therapy.
- Preparation: You’ll be comfortably positioned as the therapist cleans and prepares the skin where the cups will be applied, ensuring a hygienic and safe procedure.
- Creating Suction: Using a suction pump or manual technique, the therapist creates suction inside each cup. This gentle vacuum effect draws the skin slightly into the cup, stimulating blood flow and relaxing muscles.
- Application: The cups are then moved smoothly over specific areas of your body, such as the back, shoulders, or other targeted regions where you may experience muscle tightness or discomfort. Afterwards, stagnant cupping method is used, where the cup remains in place to create a vacuum effect.
- Duration: Each cup is moved across the skin for several minutes, typically 5 to 10 minutes per area. You may feel a gentle pulling sensation as the cups glide, which can help release tension and promote a sense of relaxation.
- Completion: After removing the cups, your therapist may perform a light massage to further enhance circulation and relaxation. Any temporary marks left by the cups, resembling light red or purple circles, usually fade within a few days.
Contraindications and Precautions:
Skin conditions: Burns, rashes, infectious skin conditions, open wounds;
Recent Surgeries or Injuries;
Allergies or Sensitivities: to massage oils, lotions, or other products used during the sessions.
It’s essential to inform your massage therapist of any allergies or sensitivities you may have to avoid potential reactions.
Common Post-Massage Side Effects May Include:
Soreness
Fatigue
Bruising
Temporary increase in Symptoms
Feeling of Dehydration
What To Do After Cupping Therapy Session?
- Avoid showering for a minimum of 3-4 hours as this may exacerbate discomfort.
- Avoid excessive or strenuous exercise after the session to avoid any discomfort.
- Drink plenty of water (room temperature water is preferable), this helps restore fluid balance within the body.
How To Book An Appointment?
If you’re seeking effective Cupping Therapy, the team at Vitalis Physiotherapy is here to assist you on your journey towards pain relief and recovery.
All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and or conveniently book online.
You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.
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