Massage Cupping: Relief For Your Daily Pains

massage cuppingMassage cupping, or suction cupping, is a treatment option for people who deal with chronic pain on a regular basis.

Massage cupping is a powerful technique used for breaking up localized congestion, increasing circulation and improving the health and well-being of the body.

This process  uses the power of suction to draw blood to the area that is experiencing pain, and supply nutrients for healing.

If you suffer from back pain, neck pain, or any type of chronic pain,  cupping therapy can be a beneficial treatment method.

In most cases, the process is not painful, and can be completed in a short time frame. In addition to relieving pain, suction cupping massage can relieve inflammation and cramps.

This process of cupping can be completed by a licensed massage therapist, or it can be done in the comfort of your own home, with very little training. It is actually possible to purchase suction cups for personal use today.

How Does Massage Cupping Work?

The process of cupping is very simple. You or your massage therapist will apply a plastic round bulb, to apply suction, to the inflicted area.

In earlier massage cupping therapies the air inside the cup was heated before placing the cup on the skin. As the air began to cool, a natural vacuum would be created between the bulb and the skin.

However, the suction cups used today have a handle that can be pulled, to create a vacuum on the skin. When the vacuum is created, blood is drawn to the area. This blood will carry nutrients that can help to heal the afflicted area.

In addition, the vacuum will stretch the skin to loosen tensed muscles. In some cases, a lubricant is applied to the skin, or the rim of the suction cup.

This will allow the cup to be moved, and also facilitate a tighter suction force. In most cases, the suction cup will only be applied for five to ten minutes at a time.

Is Cupping Therapy Safe?

Massage cupping is safe for use by most people. However, before trying any new type of therapy, you will want to speak with your physician. The treatment is mostly used to reduce pain felt in the back.

However, many people find relief in the abdomen or arms from cupping treatment. If these areas are experiencing pain, inflammation, or cramping due to stretched muscles, or female reproductive processes, suction cupping may be completely safe.

However, if the pain experienced is due to an injury, the therapy may need to be avoided. Injured areas, such as a ruptured disk, may become inflamed by the process of suction cupping.

You will also want to speak with your doctor before using suction cupping during pregnancy.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Massage Cupping?

The most common side effects of massage cupping are bruising, or sore skin around the treatment area. For highly inflamed areas, the practice of suction cupping may need to last for only two to four minutes.

This will help to prevent further bruising. Some people may experience a worsening in pain for the first day or so after treatment. However, after this short period, healing will begin and side effects of massage cupping will be reduced.