what is a cupping massage?

​Cupping, just like most Holistic Therapies has been around for thousands of years and has been traced back to China, Egyptian and Islamic medicine and therapies. Traditionally cups have been made out of Buffalo Horn, glass, Bamboo, bronze and tin but are now also available in plastic and silicone.

There are a few different ways of practicing cupping, one is called Dry Cupping, also known as static cupping.  This is when the cups are placed on areas of the body and left there for a period of time. Back in the day a flame was used to produce a vacuum in a cupping vessel, which was then applied to the skin, this is still used by some practitioners who prefer to do Cupping the traditional way but now it seems that most therapists use the plastic versions which have a pump to create the suction instead. ​

​Another way is called Wet Cupping. This one involves the practitioner making a small incision on the skin, placing the cup back over and letting the suction draw out a small amount of blood which is said to remove negative toxins from the body to promote natural healing

​Although these techniques are extremely effective, they do leave the dreaded red circle that is associated with Cupping due to the cups being placed in one area for a period of time. The way around this is using the gliding technique which is the one that I use. It is done with silicone cups which are soft, flexible and easy to man oeuvre over the body areas whilst still keeping suction.

Massage oils are used to provide a lubricant for the cups to glide over the body, pulling up the skin and muscles with it as it moves along. This means that you are getting all of the benefits of a Cupping treatment but with a little more relaxation and of course NO RED CIRCLES! Of course there are still some people who do prefer the static cupping option and I do offer this as one of my treatments. Having a Cupping massage stimulates the natural healing response of the body and some of the benefits of this treatment are 
 
Pain relief
Improved blood flow and circulation 
Stress and tension relief 
Encourages detoxification by stimulating the blood and lymph flow
Promotes relaxation 
Reduces cellulite
Muscle relaxation

​Like all Holistic Therapies the benefits are endless. A Cupping Massage at Bliss is a wonderful way to promote natural healing around the body and to relax the mind, body and soul together.

Unfortunately we may be unable to offer Cupping Massage to people who suffer severely with the following.. (please contact us though for more information as we still may be able to offer treatment) 
​
Varicose Veins
skin inflammation
open wounds
deep vein thrombosis
bone fractures
pregnant within the 3rd trimesters
bruising
Eczema or Acne
taking blood thinner medication
raised moles and skin tags
rashes
sunburn
Shingles
Psoriasis
Epilepsy 
Haemophilia 
Edema (inflammation and swelling)
Cancer
had surgery within the past 6 months
infections
Arthritis 
bulging discs
scars from recent operations 
excessive body hair
heart disease
​
Bliss Holistic Healing xx