Cupping Massage Therapy in Portland

What is Cupping Massage Therapy
a/k/a suction cup massage therapy ?

"Massage Cupping",   "Cupping Massage 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 massage 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 massage 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 massage 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 Massage

  • 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 massage 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 massage 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

Benefits of Cupping Massage Therapy

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

Contraindications for Cupping Massage

Suction massage therapy is not to be used with excessive exfoliation.
  • Clients must avoid exposure to excessive heat (shower, sauna, etc.), cold, or exercise after cupping sessions (for at least 4-6 hours)
  • Clients should drink sufficient amounts of water subsequent to cupping sessions.
  • Cupping massage therapy should not be used on clients with:
                                   Pace makers or
                                   Electrical implants,
                                   Low Blood Pressure
                                  Energy Depletion (Exhaustion), or Clients who are Pregnant
  • 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"

Dori White has been practicing cupping massage therapy (suction massage therapy ) since 1998 and has been awarded "Best in Portland", offering several other massage therapies.