If you’ve ever had a deep tissue massage, you know how good it feels to release tension and melt away stress. But have you ever tried cupping therapy? This ancient practice, often paired with massage, helps with pain relief, circulation and relaxation.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping is a technique that involves placing special cups on your skin to create suction. This suction gently pulls the skin and underlying tissues upward, promoting increased blood flow and loosening tight muscles. While it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, cupping has become a popular complement to modern massage therapy.
How Does It Work?
During a cupping session, a registered massage therapist (RMT) places cups—usually made of glass, silicone, or plastic—on specific areas of your body. This suction stimulates circulation, reduces muscle tension, releases fascia and supports optimal nerve function. The combination of this leads often to a deeply calming body response.
You may notice circular marks on your skin afterward—don’t worry, they aren’t bruises! These marks are simply a result of increased blood flow and fade within a few days.
Benefits of Massage Therapy with Cupping
Here are some of the key benefits:
- Pain Relief – Cupping can help ease discomfort by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
- Improved Circulation – The suction brings oxygen-rich blood to the treated areas, promoting healing and reducing stiffness.
- Faster Recovery – The tissue changes and increased circulation speeds up muscle recovery and reduce post-workout soreness.
- Stress & Tension Release – Cupping relaxes the nervous system, relieving tension and stress built up in the body.
Ready to Try Cupping?
If you’re curious about cupping and want to experience its benefits firsthand, book an appointment with our registered massage therapist, Tristano. Whether you’re looking to relieve pain, improve flexibility, or simply unwind, Tristano can customize your session to suit your needs.