Cupping Massage

Cupping is like being massaged by a gentle octopus.

Cupping Massage

I rarely use cupping in my sessions because it tends to leave unsightly circular bruises on the skin. Though painless, they will be glaringly obvious if placed on areas that clothing doesn’t cover. These bruises typically fade 7 to 10 days post-treatment.

If you have never received a cupping massage before, the sensation may be anxiety-inducing. This anxiety is often due to the sensation of the negative pressure within the cups pulling on the soft tissues.

Some people love this sensation and adore the bruises this treatment causes. If you are one of these people, I offer three types of cups that we can use in the session.

Standard Circular Cup
Star Shaped Cup
Rectangular Cup

All three cups provide the same benefits, there differences are merely cosmetic.

What Does It Feel Like?

Cupping is like having a gentle octopus massage. Specifically designed cups are placed on an oiled area of your body, and the air is then pumped out of them. This creates a suction that pulls on your skin. In many respects, it feels like a reverse massage because it pulls rather than pushes.

What Are The Benefits of Cupping?

Some massage therapists believe the cups remove toxins, while others claim they distort the fascia or influence energy meridians. Many of these practitioners rename bruises as markings. In my professional opinion, these claims are false.

These are the reasons I might use cupping in a pain management session:

The suction cups provide variety, which helps reduce habituation (a decreased response to repeated stimuli). Cupping creates a vibrant sensory experience that keeps your brain engaged while making you feel wonderful.
Some people are sensitive to compression, meaning pressing and squeezing may be intolerable for them. Suction can serve as a comfortable touch alternative.
Cupping can provide the perception of firm pressure without the discomfort often associated with it.
Sometimes people require sustained pressure on a focused area. Cupping allows a therapist to provide this type of sensory experience without risking injury to their fingers.
Athletes and individuals who have enjoyed positive benefits from this type of stimulus often request it. Since the goal of pain-management massage is to encourage a sense of safety, it is used because they enjoy it.

Book a Massage

Cupping may be part of your pain-management massage. Learn more about how pain management massage can help you experience the peace and ease you need.

Disclaimer

Information provided on this website, including educational materials, pain neuroscience explanations, treatment suggestions, and any other content shared during sessions, classes, or coaching, is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

You should always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you receive here.

Jennifer Brand Spa

Pain Management at 2717 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63368