Is a featured massage modality at Gilbert Bodyworks. Safe, effective, and results-driven, this technique can be incorprated into any customized therapeutic massage session.

What is Cupping Massage?

Negative pressure (or vacuum pressure) is applied to sanitized plastic bell cups on the broad areas of the back and body. The pressure causes the skin to lift up, allowing stasis of oxygenated blood flow. The cups are moved in long, sedating strokes or quick, circular and stimulating motions.

• Increases circulation
• Improves rigid soft tissue (loosening adhesions, stubborn knots and dehydrated connective tissue)
• Stimulates lymphatic flow
• Mimics the rolling action of deep tissue massage without the often associated discomfort
• Detoxifies and flushes the tissue of waste products, so may be helpful as a tool against cellulite

For most clients, cupping massage feels great! The sensation is often described as “deep warmth” or “tingling and energizing” as the circulation is improved in the affected area. Liniments (I.e. Sombra gel, Biofreeze, etc) can be applied after Cupping Massage to increase both the efficacy of the treatment and to allow deeper penetration into the tissue to achieve longer analgesic effects.

Used for thousands of years effectively in Traditional Chinese Medicine and as a home remedy, Cupping Massage is safe for most people. As always, if you have any concerns when engaging in a new therapy, please ask your physician. For healthy individuals, cupping massage is a simple adjunctive therapy that can be incorporated into their massage therapies to effect more meaningful pain relief and help the body feel and perform better.