Do you struggle with stiff, aching muscles or persistent muscular tension? Are inflammation and chronic pain affecting your daily life? Read on to discover more about gliding cupping, an effective and natural method to help you find relief and accelerate your healing process.
What is Gliding Cupping?
Gliding cupping is a modern adaptation of ancient cupping therapy which has been practiced for thousands of years.
This therapeutic technique involves the use of specialised cups to create negative pressure on the skin.
The silicone cup is then gently glided over your body are being treated to stimulate circulation, release muscle tension, and promote overall well-being.
Unlike traditional cupping, which leaves noticeable marks, gliding cupping focuses on delivering the therapeutic benefits without the telltale circular marks on the skin.
Whoa! Hold on! What is negative pressure?
Negative pressure, in the context of cupping, simply means creating a suction effect.
Imagine gently pulling on your skin with a cup (like in the photo). This suction ~ almost like a reverse deep tissue massage ~ draws the skin and underlying tissues upwards into the cup, which helps to increase blood flow, loosen tight muscles, and relieve tension facilitates your body’s own healing processes.
It’s like using a gentle vacuum to help improve circulation and get things moving in the area being treated.
How Does Gliding Cupping Work?
Gliding cupping works by creating suction on your skin’s surface, lifting the underlying tissues, and gently pulling them away from the body. This action helps increase blood flow, enhance lymphatic drainage, and promote the removal of metabolic waste. By moving the cups along the skin, the therapy can target specific muscle groups, relieve adhesions, and improve overall tissue mobility. The gliding motion also provides a soothing massage effect, which can be deeply relaxing and therapeutic.
Is Gliding Cupping Effective on Areas of Stress and Tension?
While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of gliding cupping, many practitioners and clients report significant improvements in pain reduction, muscle relaxation, and overall well-being. Additionally, this technique is particularly popular among athletes and individuals with active lifestyles who are looking to recover from injuries or relieve chronic muscle tension. Therefore, the anecdotal evidence, combined with its long history of use, suggests that gliding cupping can be an effective complementary therapy for a variety of conditions.
How Can Gliding Cupping Help Me?
Gliding cupping offers a wide range of benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. It can help reduce muscle tension, alleviate pain, and increase flexibility by promoting circulation and oxygenating tissues. The technique is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce cortisol levels, which promotes relaxation.
Some research even suggests that gliding cupping can improve the appearance of cellulite by enhancing blood flow and stimulating the underlying tissues.
Here are some benefits of gliding or sliding cupping:
1. Reduces Muscle Tension and Pain ~Gliding cupping can help to relieve your tight muscles by promoting relaxation and reducing pain in areas of tension.
2. Improves Circulation ~ The sliding motion of the cups increases blood flow to the treated areas, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and aiding in the removal of toxins.
3. Enhances Mobility and Flexibility ~ By lifting and separating fascia and muscle layers, gliding cupping can improve your range of motion and flexibility, thereby making it particularly beneficial for athletes and those with movement restrictions.
4. Supports Lymphatic Drainage ~ This technique can stimulate your lymphatic system, encouraging the drainage of excess fluids and reducing swelling. (In fact, facial cupping is great at rejuvenating your skin, boosting your circulation, and enhancing your natural radiance by reducing puffiness and creating a more youthful appearance.
5. Promotes Relaxation~ Gliding cupping has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, and decreasing cortisol levels.
6. Reduces Inflammation ~ The increased blood flow and circulation produced by cupping can lead to anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce chronic inflammation and promote healing. Could be helpful for fibromyalgia sufferers where inflammation and pain are common issues.
7. Improves Skin Health ~ Regular sessions of cupping massage can help to improve your skin tone and texture by increasing blood flow and stimulating collagen production. Ssome studies suggest it may even help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
8. Alleviates Headaches and Migraines ~ By relieving muscle tension and improving circulation, gliding cupping can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines.
9. Enhances Your Overall Well-Being ~ The combined physical and mental benefits of gliding cupping contribute to an overall sense of well-being, making it a valuable addition to your holistic wellness routine.
Are There Any Contraindications to Treatment?
While gliding cupping is generally safe, there are some contraindications to be aware of. Please consult with your therapist before scheduling your appointment if you have any of the following conditions:
- Skin Conditions: Open wounds, burns, or other skin issues may be aggravated by cupping.
- Blood Disorders: Conditions such as hemophilia or anemia may increase the risk of bruising or other complications.
- Pregnancy: While some practitioners may use cupping during pregnancy, it should be done with caution and under professional guidance.
- Recent Surgeries: Cupping should be avoided near recent surgical sites or areas with fresh scars.
What Should I Expect During a Gliding Cupping Session?
Your treatment begins with a hands-on massage where the oil is applied, and any areas of tension are identified.
Next, specialised silicone cups are placed on your skin. A vacuum is created by squeezing the top of each cup.
Different sizes of silicone cups are selected based on the area being treated and the level of negative pressure desired. The pressure is adjustable to ensure your comfort.
Your therapist then gently glides the cups over the treatment area, focusing on regions of tension or discomfort.
Many clients describe the sensation as a deep, soothing massage, often resulting in a profound sense of relaxation and relief.
After Effects of Gliding Cupping
Personally, whenever I’ve had a gliding cupping massage, I’ve felt amazing the next day! The cups have worked deeply on my areas of tension without the discomfort sometimes associated with deep tissue massage. I’ve felt rebalanced and revitalised.
Whilst traditional (dry or wet cupping) can cause some redness or slight bruising in the treated areas,this is less common with gliding cupping. Gliding cupping massage involves the movement of cups over the skin to create a massage-like sensation. The cups are generally not left in one place and therefore are far less likely to create the circular marks associated with traditional cupping. If the cups are stationary, this is for a finite amount of time and carefully monitored to avoid damage to the skin.
After your gliding cupping session, you may notice some redness or slight bruising in the treated areas. This is known as erythema, a result of increased blood flow to the area. The suction created by the cups draws blood to the skin’s surface, which helps to oxygenate and nourish the tissues. This influx of blood brings vital nutrients and promotes healing, while also aiding in the removal of toxins and waste products from the body.
Although the marks are less pronounced with gliding cupping than with traditional cupping, they are a normal and temporary part of the process, usually fading within a few days. Some clients also report feeling more relaxed or experiencing temporary relief from pain or tension. To support the body’s natural healing processes, it’s important to stay hydrated and rest after your session.
Sounds Great! Where can I book a Cupping Massage?
I would recommend Lorraine’s Treatment Room. Lorraine studied Gliding Cupping at Middlesex School of Complementary Medicine.
You can book your cupping session at Lorraine’s Treatment Room by clicking here.
If you have any questions prior to booking, please do not hesitate to drop Lorraine an email.
Lorraine’s Treatment Room is based in Worth, between Sandwich and Deal with convenient access from Discovery Park and the surrounding villages such as Eastry, Ash, Sholden, Mongeham, Wingham, St Margaret’s, Walmer, and Kingsdown, along with the larger towns of Canterbury, Margate, and Thanet.
What About After Care? Anything I Should do After my Cupping Massage?
Aftercare is an essential part of cupping therapy to ensure optimal results and minimise any potential side effects. Here are some guidelines for aftercare following a cupping session ~ Following these aftercare guidelines can help you maximize the benefits of cupping therapy and support a smooth recovery process.
Cupping Aftercare Tips
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins released during the treatment and support the body’s natural healing process.
- Rest and Relax: Give yourself some downtime after the session to allow your body to recover. Avoid strenuous activities or heavy exercise immediately afterward.
- Avoid Direct Heat: Refrain from hot baths, saunas, or hot showers for at least 24 hours post-treatment, as direct heat can exacerbate redness or bruising.
- Protect Treated Areas: Keep the cupped areas clean and dry. Avoid applying creams, lotions, or oils to the treated areas immediately after the session unless directed by your therapist.
- Wear Loose Clothing: Opt for loose-fitting clothes to avoid irritation or rubbing on the treated areas, especially if there is residual redness or sensitivity.
- Monitor Skin Reactions: Sometimes you may experience some redness or slight bruising, this usually fades quite quickly. If you notice any unusual or severe reactions, please contact your therapist or healthcare provider.
- Gentle Exercise: Light stretching or gentle movement can help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness, but avoid intense workouts for a day or two.
- Follow Therapist’s Advice: Adhere to any specific aftercare instructions provided by your therapist, as they may have tailored advice based on your individual treatment.
- Observe Any Changes: Pay attention to how your body responds post-treatment. Any significant changes or concerns should be discussed with your therapist.
- Schedule Follow-Up: If recommended by your therapist, plan any follow-up sessions to maintain the benefits of the cupping therapy.
So I Can’t Shower for 24 Hours After Treatment?
Avoiding swimming or showering for a few hours after a cupping session is recommended for several reasons that are outlined below:
Why Avoid Swimming or Showering After Cupping?
- Skin Sensitivity: The skin and underlying tissues can be more sensitive immediately after cupping. Submerging in water or exposure to hot water can potentially exacerbate redness or discomfort. Allowing the skin to settle helps avoid further irritation.
- Prevention of Infection: Post-cupping, the skin may have small areas of broken capillaries or minor abrasions, especially if bruising occurs. Immersing in water, especially in public pools, can increase the risk of infection or introduce bacteria to the skin.
- Optimal Healing Environment: The immediate post-treatment period is crucial for the body to start its healing process. Allowing time before exposing the skin to water helps the body maintain its natural healing environment and ensures that any marks or bruising are not aggravated.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Hot showers or baths can increase blood flow to the treated areas, potentially intensifying any redness or bruising. It’s best to wait until the body has had some time to recover and normalize.
- Enhancing Effectiveness: By avoiding water exposure right after the treatment, you ensure that the effects of the cupping therapy—such as improved circulation and toxin release—are not diminished by external factors.
Best Practices
- Wait for at Least Three Hours: This timeframe allows the skin to calm down and reduces the risk of irritation or infection.
- Use Lukewarm Water: When you do shower, opt for lukewarm water rather than hot to minimize skin sensitivity.
- Gentle Cleansing: If you need to cleanse the treated areas, use a gentle, non-irritating cleanser and avoid scrubbing the skin.
Where it all started: A Brief History of Cupping
The practice of cupping dates back as far as 5000 years, with evidence found in ancient Egyptian medical texts from 3500 years ago.
In China, archaeologists have discovered that medical cupping was used as early as 3000 years ago. Even the Greek physician Hippocrates, often referred to as the “Father of Medicine,” employed cupping for the treatment of various ailments around 2400 years ago.
Traditionally, cupping was performed using either wet or dry methods, often involving fire to create a vacuum inside glass cups. At Lorraine’s Treatment Room gliding cupping, also referred to as sliding cupping is offered. You can read more about this below.
The Evolution of Cupping: From Fire to Silicone
In recent years, the practice of cupping has evolved significantly.
During the past decade we have seen the rise of silicone cups. These have become popular due to their ease of use, client comfort and flexibility.
Silicone cups are hygienic, easy to clean, and can be effortlessly applied to the skin by simply squeezing the top to create a vacuum. Their pliability makes them ideal for gliding over the body’s contours, which is the basis for gliding cupping.
While fire cupping is still practiced by some practitioners, those therapists who practice more traditional cupping tend to incorporate more modern techniques often utilising pumps and suction guns to create the vacuum, making the process easier, more time-efficient, and safer.
To ensure your comfort and safety, Lorraine’s Treatment Room uses silicone cups.
