You may have heard of cupping therapy, a type of massage therapy that’s becoming extremely popular this year. You also may be wondering if it really works and whether it’s worth the time and investment. You’re not alone, because here at Cameo Salon & Spa, we’ve had plenty of questions about cupping from many of our clients. The quick answer is that cupping is very effective and can help relieve many bothersome symptoms and discomfort. Here are some of the questions we’re hearing to help clear up the confusion about cupping.
What is cupping exactly?
Cupping is a kind of therapy where your expert Cameo massage therapist uses cups and suction to deeply massage your body and stimulate blood circulation and other benefits. Cupping uses a heat source in the cups, which are then strategically placed on the body to create that suction when the cup cools down. This type of massage therapy must always be performed by a trained professional who understands safety, proper placement, and how to assess each client to determine individual needs. At Cameo Salon & Spa, our expert massage therapists are thoroughly trained in this ancient alternative medicine therapy.
How does cupping work?
Cupping works in a couple of ways. First, it works as a massage, stimulating circulation and relaxing muscles. Second, it uses acupressure points to help relieve symptoms from some common conditions that are usually treated by acupressure.
What types of conditions can cupping therapy help?
Some studies have shown that cupping therapy may be effective for a variety of conditions, including:
- Muscle pain and aches
- Scars
- Lumbar herniated disc
- Cough and dyspnea
- Acne
- Cervical spondylosis
- Facial paralysis
- Shingles
More research is ongoing to determine how cupping helps these conditions and which other conditions cupping therapy might help.
For muscle aches and pain, cupping therapy might be effective because its effects are like a massage, relaxing those muscles and stimulating circulation. Aches and pains are often worsened by muscle spasms, so when muscles are relaxed, you’ll likely experience less pain. Stimulating circulation works in two ways. First, it increases blood flow to the area, which delivers oxygen and vital nutrients that help the cells in your organs, muscles, and other tissues work more effectively. Second, the other part of your circulatory system, your lymphatic system, drains away toxins and wastes more effectively. This also helps improve the function of your cells and all the organs and muscle tissues made up of these cells.
What’s it like to have a cupping therapy session?
Once you and your expert massage therapist at Cameo have decided that cupping is the right massage therapy for you, you’ll be ready for your first cupping appointment. First, you’ll relax in our calming luxury massage therapy environment here at Cameo Salon & Spa. Your massage therapist will then apply several cups in the desired locations and leave them in place for a few minutes. This allows the suction from the cups to work on your muscles and circulation. These sensations are very relaxing, giving you the time to de-stress from your day and allow this effective massage therapy technique to work.
You can also add cupping therapy to another type of massage therapy in a single session. If this is the case, you’ll likely receive your cupping therapy after your other type of massage, although everyone’s experience will be customized to their needs.
What happens after a cupping therapy session?
After the session, you’ll likely have mild bruises where the cups were placed. However, these will fade in a few days. Cupping therapy is a safe procedure when practiced by the experienced massage therapists here at Cameo, so there are zero to minimal side effects. You should, however, consult with your physician before scheduling a cupping session if you have a blood disorder, are pregnant, or are taking blood-thinning medications.
Our clients at Cameo Salon & Spa report that they feel relaxed as well as invigorated after their cupping sessions, especially when cupping therapy is done in conjunction with another type of massage. Cupping therapy is absolutely worth the time and investment for many of our clients!
To experience the benefits of cupping therapy for yourself, make an appointment at Cameo Salon & Spa today. Our expert massage therapists will help you choose the right therapy for your needs, including cupping therapy. You can find us at 1817 Collier Parkway in Lutz, FL, call us at (813) 948-7411, or book your cupping appointment online with our convenient scheduling tool. It’s fast and easy to become a member of our Rewards Program and earn exclusive rewards! Join online today!