Cupping Therapy in Portland

"Massage Cupping",   "Cupping Therapy",   "Chinese Cupping",   "Vacuum Cupping",   "suction massage therapy"  It goes by many different names.  But what is it?? 

Cupping can be defined in many ways but simply put... cupping is negative pressure, rather than tissue compression.  It is superior  body work for pain, stubborn conditions, repetitive strains, inflammation, toxicity, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, scar tissue  and a slough of other issues we confront through day to day life and as we grow older.

By creating suction and negative pressure, this amazing therapy releases rigid soft tissue, drains excess fluids and toxins, loosens adhesions, lifts connective tissue, and brings blood flow to stagnant skin and muscles. Myofascial release is immediate and correct application of cupping therapy  addresses a myriad of debilitating and stubborn conditions. Restructuring of the myofascial bands are possible with cumulative treatments, and there is no form of lymphatic stimulation and drainage that even approaches the efficacy and speed that suction can achieve.

This remarkable therapy employs negative pressure, rather than tissue compression, for superior results in the wide array of bodywork techniques. Suction cup therapy is a traditional, time-honored treatment that remains favored by millions of people worldwide because it's safe, comfortable and remarkably effective for many health disorders. The value and efficacy of this therapy has been documented through several thousand years of historical, clinical and subjective research. Now, with the influence and growing popularity of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and other influential healing methodologies - Cupping has re-emerged in the Western Holistic Community as a subtle, remarkably effective healing therapy.

Cupping therapy is a form of therapeutic bodywork that is used to facilitate  deep tissue release  and aid in bringing about numerous healthful benefits to the body, such as:
  • Enhanced flexibility
  • Lymphatic/blood circulation
  • Tissue nourishment
  • Body detoxification.

 How is the Cupping Massage Therapy Performed?

Cupping therapy a/k/a suction massage therapy is performed by applying ‘reverse pressure’ to the body, via glass, plastic or silicone suction cups that are generally placed or massaged along problem areas, and worked with in the direction of natural lymphatic flow. 
  • Suction cups may be magnetic or non-magnetic, with positive & negative poles, to help enhance the tissue-healing process. 
  • Cupping only sessions are typically 10-40 minutes in length,but can be integrated with traditional massage therapies for up to one or one and a half hour sessions.

Goals & Benefits of Cupping Therapy

  • The technique namely focuses on reducing stagnation & restrictions in problem areas, by breaking down adhesion's/knots, and by helping to increase fluid (i.e., blood & lymph) circulation.
  • Cupping therapy helps to reduce the build-up of cellular waste, toxins, inflammation, & excess fluids by assisting in dragging them from deep within muscles/soft tissue, to the body’s surface, where they can be more efficiently disposed of, via the lymphatic system.
  • More specifically, the cupping  therapy technique assists in …
                           Clearing stagnation
                           Relieving inflammation
                           Draining/Moving fluids
                           Sedating the nervous system
                           Expelling congestion
                           Stretching muscle & connective tissues
                           Loosening adhesions & scar tissue
                           Nourishing blood supply to the skin

additional benefits of cupping therapy

Tissue & joint inflammation ​
Relaxation and Wellness
Traumatic Injuries
Orthopedic Conditions
Stagnant lymph & edema
Neuromuscular Conditions
Lung inflammation
Physical Therapy
Poor circulation
Trigger Point Therapy
Sluggish colon
Sluggish, devitalized skin
Scars and Stretch Marks 
General anxiety
Abdominal Work for IBS
Facial Rejuvenation
Lymphatic Drainage
Cellulite Reduction
Deep Tissue Massage
Chronic Pain Conditions
Sinus and TMJ
sports Injuries
Fibromyalgia
Myofascial Release
Detoxification
Headaches
​Acupressure
Cold & Flu
Sciatica
Reflexology
Insomnia
Stress

but wait, cupping therapy may not be right for everyone

  • Cupping is contraindicated in cases of severe diseases, i.e. cardiac failure, renal failure, ascites due to hepato-cirrhosis and severe edema, as well as hemorrhagic diseases such as allergic purpura, hemophilia and leukemia, and clients with dermatosis, destruction of skin, or allergic dermatitis.
  • Cupping should not be applied on the portion where hernia exists or has occurred in the past.
  • Broken bones, dislocations, hernias, slipped discs, organ failure, and those undergoing cancer therapy are contraindicated for Cupping.
  • Cupping should not be performed on affected areas during the acute stages of Psoriasis, Eczema or Rosacea.
  • Cupping should not be applied on effected areas during outbreaks of Urticaria (Hives),  Herpes or Shingles.
  • Cupping is contraindicated for those with liver or kidney functional illness, Cardiopathy, 3D Varicosities or over recent surgical incisions.
  • During pregnancy:
  • Unless the mother has been receiving ongoing Cupping prior to their pregnancy – wait until the 2nd trimester.
  • Women who have not received Cupping and begin during breast feeding should express several days before the treatment and should wait a few days post treatment to return to breast feeding.
  • Cupping therapy should not be used on clients with:
  •                                    Pace makers or
  •                                    Electrical implants,
                                       Low Blood Pressure
                                      Energy Depletion (Exhaustion), or Clients who are Pregnant
Clients should consider limiting their exposure to excessive heat (shower, sauna, etc.), cold, or extreme exercise after cupping sessions (for at least 4-6 hours)
  • Clients should consider increasing their intake of water both before and subsequent to cupping sessions.
  • Cupping must also be used with caution on children, the elderly, diabetics, and persons with varicose veins.

Advanced training received from the International Cupping Therapy Association (ICTA)
Certification Program "Contemporary Cupping Methods"
Advanced Modules "Advanced Cupping Techniques"
Advanced Modules "Facial Rejuvenation"