It’s time to get Cupping!! Are you ready to start Cupping and feel the relief from pain that Cupping Therapy can provide? Outlined below are the primary techniques used by the professionals.
Static Cupping / Stationary Cupping (Dry Cupping) Technique
When cups are applied and left in one spot, this is called Static Cupping or Stationary Cupping. This technique is best for localized problems and you can use 1 cup or several cups with this technique. We recommend that you start with approximately 3-5 minutes of static cupping and gradually increase the length of time up to a maximum of 15 minutes as you learn how your body is going to respond. Depending on the area, it is normal that the cup might pop off from time to time. Remove the cups immediately if you feel discomfort or pain and re-apply with less suction.
Massage Cupping / Dynamic Cupping
Massage Cupping or Dynamic Cupping is when you slide/glide the cups along the muscle. To perform this technique, you will need to apply a lubricant such as massage oil or lotion and apply the cup with a light suction. Once the cup has been applied, grasp the top of the cup, and then slide/glide it slowly across the surface of the skin. You can use this cupping technique on any area of the body, several times per week, for a total of 5-20 minutes each time. The slower you move the cup…the better! Remove the cups immediately if you feel discomfort or pain and reapply with less suction and/or more lubricant.
Flash Cupping
The Flash Cupping technique is characterized by a quick application and removal of the cups several times in a quick succession along the area being treated. Squeeze the cup to create the suction, place it on the skin, release and then repeat for up to 15 minutes per area of the body. This technique encourages blood flow to the tissues.
Rotation Technique
Likely to become one of your favorites, the Rotation Technique is incredible for softening the tissue around scars or when you have an exceptionally difficult trigger point area that needs to be convinced to relax! With the cup in a static position, move it slowly from side to side or rotate in small circles to encourage the muscle to move. This can be done several times per week in any area of the body. It is normal that the cup might pop off from time to time. Remove the cups immediately if you feel discomfort or pain and re-apply with less suction.
With so many different Cupping sets available, it can be difficult to decide what type of cup to use and where to use it on the body. It doesn’t necessarily matter which cup you use, but how you use it – any cups can be used similarly to accomplish your treatment goals.
Manual vacuum pump sets are best used for:
- Stationary cup placements – these sets offer the convenience of several different cup sizes. Typically made from clear polycarbonate plastic, they allow for greater visibility of the surface tissue reaction both when placing them on the body and during the time they are attached.
- Self-Care applications – typically these sets come with a hose that allows for some variability in certain areas such as attaching to the back by yourself.
Silicone cups are best used for:
- Massage Cupping – the comfortable grip is a benefit when using your cups for massaging. The manual vacuum pump sets can also be used for massage Cupping, but it takes some time and practice to use them effectively in this manner.
- Stationary cup placements – silicone cups are more comfortable around joints, near bones or where the manual vacuum cups may be more challenging.
