As always when I have some aches and pains going on, I usually complain about it to my friends that are massage therapists…I guess you can say its one of the nice perks about being in the spa industry. Between working a full time job, running a business, and writing for a magazine, my life is pretty much on the go full time. My feet had been killing me, my neck and back were achy, and I felt yucky and needed some rejuvenation. I had mentioned to my one of my closest friends, Veronica, the issues I was having. Being a licensed massage therapist for about 10 years, working with chiropractors, and having an endless list of certifications, she had suggested something different than just my regular therapeutic massage she usually gives me. Being that we have been friends for many years, and I’m always a sport about trying new spa treatments, I decided, why not! She then brings out her bag of goodies with these interesting cup like contraptions…I was thinking, “what the heck is she going to do to me?” ha-ha Of course being the wonderful friend she is, she told me to hush up and let her get to work. The treatment was calling Cupping Massage, this was the first time I had ever heard of it…But I’ll try anything once.
She started off the treatment with some lymphatic drainage strokes. Think of lymphatic strokes as a very light soothing form of massage. Cups were then placed on my different areas of my body; she focused on the areas that were giving me the most pain. With the suction of a vacuum pump, she drew up my skin into the cup. The areas became a little red since the constant suction forces more blood into the affected area to stimulate the healing process. She did this repeatedly; I have to say, the experience was quite interesting. Cupping does tend to pull your skin a bit since its being vacuumed into the cup; however, it’s not nearly as painful as a sore muscle. The con of this treatment is the red welts you may get from it. There is no permanent damage and they go away in about a week. I wouldn’t suggest not wearing clothes that would show the cupped areas off since they may look a little odd to people.
So let me tell you a little about what I learned while receiving my treatment. Cupping therapy, or massage cupping, is an ancient Chinese holistic treatment. High blood pressure, fibromyalgia, arthritis, menopause and cellulite are just a handful of conditions on which cupping therapy is used.
Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins. Cupping is the best deep tissue massage available.
Another profound application of Massage Cupping therapy is for the treatment of cellulite. The spa industry has many fine pieces of equipment to choose from, and Massage Cupping performs many of the same functions manually. A very light suction provides drainage, while heavier application can be used to stimulate circulation and loosen adhesions or “dimpling”. Successful and enjoyable body sculpting and contouring is possible, with lasting results and many health benefits-rehab techniques that are enhanced by cupping. Cupping is also great for athletes and sports injuries since it will maintain strength, flexibility, and gives the body the necessary care after training. It brings back nutrients to the muscles and tissues that need to be repaired. Removal of lactic acid and the muscles get the oxygen needed to maintain their healthy. Since tissues get tight and are often difficult to stretch out, cupping will help out the muscles to release tension that has built up in that area and restore flexibility that will help guard you against future injury.
I would totally do this spa treatment again, I felt so light on my feet as if the toxins were literally sucked out of me…it was a very neat experience. If you would like to have this cupping massage treatment done, I highly recommend Veronica. I have attached her card with all of her contact info. Be sure to tell her I sent you! 🙂
April M. Monterrosa is Proud Latina from San Antonio, Texas, a Marine Corps wife, Mama of a Dachshund, licensed Cosmetologist of 17 years, The Lil Spa Room Owner, Founder of the Wonderfully Wise Women Group, Blog, & Online Magazine, a Writer for SAXtreme Magazine, PCA Skin Chemical Peel certified, & a Nuskin Skin Care Distributor.
