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Dry Vacuum Cupping

What is Cupping?

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. Cupping can be very helpful in release tight muscle and fascial restrictions. 

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A more modern version of cupping uses a rubber pump instead of fire to create the vacuum inside the cup.

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This causes your skin to rise and redden as your blood vessels expand. The cup is generally left in place for up to 3 minutes.

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How VIP uses Cupping

Here at The VIP Clinic we use cupping as a way of releasing restricted soft tissue and fascia. This can be offered as a stand alone treatment or incorporated within your Osteopathy. 

 

Fascia is a connective tissue that runs throughout our body which is also contractile like a muscle. 

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The cups are usually moved giving the feeling of more a deep massage than the traditional style cupping many people see where the cups are left in place or even sometimes used alongside acupuncture. 

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There isn't much scientific research to support cupping. But it has been practiced for many years within Chinese Medicine. 

Vacuum Cupping
Side Effects

Cupping is fairly safe, as long as you go to a trained health professional. But you could have these side effects in the area where the cups touch your skin:

 

Warnings:

  • Cupping Therapy affects the body the same as a deep tissue massage.  You may experience Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness that will be akin to a long hard workout.  However, the feel of cupping is not as intense as deep tissue massage. Thanks to the nature of negative pressure therapy, the work is deep without being painful although occasionally it can be uncomfortable.  Remember to check in with your therapist to make sure the therapy is within your personal comfort level.

  • If you are on blood thinners, are a hemophiliac, diabetic, or have high or low blood pressure, shorter, lighter techniques are recommended and must be used for your overall wellness. Those with low blood pressure should warn the therapist ahead of time as you'll need extra time to rest before rising after a treatment and accommodations will need to be made.

Contraindications

There are contraindications that may prevent you from having cupping therapy if you have any of the below please let us know.

  • Severe Diseases

  • Blood Related Diseases / Bleeding disorders

  • Pregnancy 

  • Broken bones

  • Dislocations

  • Slipped Discs

  • Those undergoing cancer treatment such as radiation (Check with GP)

  • Sunburn

  • Ruptured, Ulcerated, Inflamed Skin

  • Acute stages of Psoriasis, Eczema or Rosacea

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