What cupping is
In cupping I place silicone or glass cups on the skin and create a vacuum inside them. The suction lifts the skin, fascia and the top layers of muscle, instead of pressing them down as hands do. The idea is to create space in tissue that feels stuck and to bring more blood flow to the area.
The research on cupping is mixed, and I do not want to promise more than it can do. What I can say is that many of my clients find it helpful, especially on large, tight areas such as the back, glutes and thighs.
Static and moving cups
- Static cups stay in one place for a few minutes. This is a deeper, more focused effect and the one most likely to leave marks.
- Moving cups glide over oiled skin along the muscle. It feels like a slow, pulling massage and works well along the spine, the hamstrings or the outer thigh.
How it feels and what it can help with
The feeling is a firm pull, a bit like the skin is being gently lifted away from the body. Some people find it relaxing, others find it intense at first and then get used to it.
Cupping can help:
- Loosen large muscle groups that feel stiff after training, for example in runners and cyclists
- Ease tightness in the back when deep pressure alone feels like too much
- Add variety to a session, so the same muscle is not only pressed but also lifted
How I use it in a session
I use cupping as part of a sport massage, together with deep tissue work, myofascial release and stretching. It is not a separate treatment. If you prefer a softer session, a few moving cups can also fit into a classic massage when you ask for it.
Aftercare
- Drink water as usual and keep the area warm for the rest of the day
- Avoid a sauna, a very hot shower or hard training on the cupped area for the first few hours
- If marks appear, leave them alone; they fade on their own
When to tell me first
Please let me know before the session if any of this applies to you. In some cases I will simply leave cupping out:
- broken skin, a rash, a fresh scar or sunburn in the area
- you take blood thinners or bruise very easily
- you are pregnant
- you have varicose veins or a skin condition in the area
- you feel unwell or have a fever
Cupping should never feel sharp or burning. If it does, say so and I will release the cup straight away.