CUPPING THERAPY

Cupping Therapy (Myofascial Decompression)

What is cupping therapy? Cupping therapy formally known as myofascial decompression (MFD) is an ancient eastern method of healing that has recently grown in popularity in the west due to its health benefits.

For cupping therapy, plastic or silicone suction cups are used to create negative pressure between the layers of tissues in an affected area on the body. A suction gun is used to extract the air out of the cup, creating this pressure. This draws blood that is rich in nutrients to the affected area and helps to encourage quicker healing.

Dry Cupping appointments at Comfort Health

Normally the treatment will start with massage to increase circulation and to help break down adhesions (knots), then add the cups. We use the cups in a variety of different ways depending on the body part and the treatment needed. One way we use the cups is to simply leave them on specific spots for the duration of the treatment. Another is to use the cups themselves to massage the treatment area by sliding them across the skin. Alternatively we can keep the cups placed on an area whilst mobilising the surrounding joint. When we take the cups off we would continue to massage to help flush out the toxins that build up in muscles.

Cupping can be especially good for people who work out a lot. There is some evidence to suggest the effects of cupping can last longer than massage alone.

Please note we only offer Dry Cupping Therapy at Comfort Health.

Benefits of Myofascial Decompression

  • Increases circulation and oxygenation of the blood in an affected area
  • Passively stretches myofascial tissue
  • Increases range of motion of the affected area
  • Increases collagen production and tissue repair
  • Relieves muscle spasms
  • Breaks up adhesions in tissue (similar to massage)
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Reduces stress levels
  • Aids in the reduction of cellulite and tones skin
  • Cleans out pores, removing toxins from the skin
  • Detoxifies the lymphatic system

Contraindications of Cupping Therapy

Cupping is safe for pretty much everybody! However, there are a few exceptions where cupping would not be the best option for treatment, these are:

  • Young children
  • People with heart problems
  • Currently taking blood thinning meds
  • Open wounds or any bleeding
  • Pregnancy
  • History of vascular disease such as DVT
  • Varicose veins

You should be aware that cupping therapy can potentially bruise or mark your skin. The marks can last anytime between a day and a week, however they are nothing to worry about and shouldn’t be painful.

Cupping at Comfort Health

We offer Cupping Therapy at Comfort Health in a few different ways.

We offer a 30 minute session, which is great for treating one area, or for those of you who are new to Cupping Therapy. These sessions are offered by most of the team.

We also offer a 60 minute session. These sessions are combined with massage and are great for treating multiple area, or for those that are after a longer, more relaxing or more intense therapy session. These sessions are offered by our brilliant Massage Therapists Ellen and Katharine.

Alternatively, if you would just like to try it, ask your Therapist and if they believe it would be beneficial, they can easily add it into the treatment during a Physio or massage session.