Chinese Fire Cupping
Usually performed with Myomassology-can be 30 mins stand alone ($50)
Originating in China, it is one of the most ancient, recorded bodywork techniques and has been practiced throughout Europe and Africa. Cupping is a simple technique that uses scientific principles to manipulate the internal environment of the body within seconds.
The cups are made of glass, a flame is placed inside the cup and removed immediately before being placed on the body. This creates a vacuum that stimulates physiological changes underneath the cup to aid healing and reduce pain. Silicone suction cups are becoming more popular as they don’t use a flame to create the suction. However, these are often less comfortable for the client and aren’t as effective as the glass and fire method.
By using a vacuum on the surface of the skin, the underlying structures experience a negative pressure, drawing fluids (blood and lymph) through the tissues towards the surface. When we have disfunction and pain in our bodies, these areas have a reduced blood flow allowing toxins to build up and oxygen to become depleted. Cupping enables the therapist to draw large amounts of fresh oxygenated blood through these tissues, as well as lymph, which aids in removal of toxins such as lactic acid.
Cupping also opens the pores and stimulates the skin’s circulation which has a positive effect on its metabolism and transportation of nutrients throughout the body. The skin being the largest organ of elimination and defense, its stimulation has many benefits to our overall health and well-being. Sensory nerves are also located within the layers of the skin, when stimulated these will have a sedatory or blocking effect on the pain sensors located within deeper layers.
The cups are placed in an area of increased tension and left for a period of time. When removed there are often round darkened areas left underneath. These are not to be confused with bruises. Bruises are caused by damaged blood capillaries, leaking blood into the surrounding tissue. The circles seen with cupping are where areas of stagnated blood have been brought to the surface where it can be removed by the body. These circles may last for up to 7 days. This treatment has become increasingly popular with athletes today, from swimmers to tennis stars to NHL players.