Cupping Aftercare 

 

Cupping is a traditional treatment that is safe, comfortable, and effective for many health disorders. The gentle suction that cupping creates loosens and lifts connective tissues, which increases blood and lymph flow to your skin and muscles. To get the maximum benefits from cupping, it’s important that you follow a few guidelines. 

 

What to do after cupping or a cupping massage: 

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• Drink a lot of water. 

• Water helps flush your lymphatic system of the cellular waste that cupping helps release from your tissues. Stay warm. 

• Try to cover the area(s) where you received cupping. 

• Rest. 

• Have bath with the Epsom Salt.

 

You may feel more tired than normal or experience flu-like symptoms after cupping (headache or general body aches). This is a temporary reaction by your immune system to the cellular waste that cupping helps release. 

 

 

What to avoid after cupping or a cupping massage

For 4-6 hours post cupping, avoid exposure to: 

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• Caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods and drinks, dairy, and processed meats. These foods slow down your body’s ability to process the treatment. 

• Hot showers, saunas, hot tubs and strong air conditioning. After cupping, your skin will be more sensitive to temperature in the areas where the cups were placed. Give your skin time to recover. 

• Intense exercise 

• Cold and windy conditions 

 

Cupping Contraindications

 

In general, cupping is contraindicated directly on veins, arteries, nerves, skin inflammation, any skin lesion, body orifices, eyes, lymph nodes, or varicose veins. Cupping is also contraindicated on open wounds, bone fractures, and sites of deep vein thrombosis.

Acute and non-acute medical conditions

•Cancer, malignant tumors or while receiving cancer therapy
•Rheumatoid arthritis flare up
•Infection
•Fever

• Cardiovascular-related conditions

•Aneurysms
•Hematomas
•Deep vein thrombosis
•Low blood pressure
•Acute circulatory disorders (varicosities)

Systemic Conditions / Weakened Conditions
•Diabetes
•Liver dysfunction
•Kidney dysfunction
•Hemophiliacs and clients who bruise easily
•Clients with extreme exhaustion, high stress or weakened general conditions
•Severe edema

Skin hypersensitivity-skin conditions to avoid include but not limited to
•Bruises
•Psoriasis
•Rash, Sunburn
•Shingles (Herpes zoster)
•Skin lesions, raised moles, skin tags, acne
•Medications – Including thin skinning medication
•Aspirin, Blood Thinners

• All Acute musculoskeletal injuries

• Medications

•Ask your doctor if cupping is contraindicated with any current medications you are taking.
•If you cannot reach you doctor, inform your massage therapist and we will consult with other 

  resources.

 

Benefits

 

Cupping encourages tissues to release toxins 

 

Yes, we have organs that remove toxins from our blood. But the modern lifestyle overloads your body with toxins. Cupping gives your body a boost in releasing those toxins. Focused blood flow helps your body by flushing built-up toxins through the lymphatic system. (Your lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating your body’s toxins and waste.)

 

Cupping reduces anxiety 

 

When your therapist glides the cups across your skin, your parasympathetic nervous system engages. This promotes deep relaxation to move through your entire body. (Your parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for slowing your heart rate, assisting in digestion, and increasing intestinal and gland activity.)

 

Cupping can clear colon blockages and aid digestion

 

Cupping helps to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which increases blood flow to the digestive tract. Gentle cupping over the abdomen also stimulates the insides of your digestive organs. It aids in peristalsis (contractions that push food through your digestive tract), helps clear colon blockages, encourages blood and body fluid to move through your organs, and helps relieve indigestion.

 

Cupping can clear congestion and help treat asthma

 

Congestion (the build-up of fluid or phlegm in your lungs) caused by a cold, bronchitis or even asthma can be treated with cupping. The suction from cups breaks up and expels congestion. It brings oxygen-rich blood and lymph toward your lungs and your other respiratory muscles. Cups are usually placed on your back but may be placed on your chest as well.

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You can get relief from cold, cough, and allergy symptoms

 

Cupping can also be used to stimulate the lungs, which can clear out phlegm. Excessive phlegm in the lungs can lead to coughing. This therapy is able to speed up the healing process while you have a cold, cough, or allergy symptom. Cupping can even boost your immune function by moving lymphatic fluid through the body.

 

Detoxify your body

 

Having poor circulation can lead to a build-up of toxins inside of your body’s tissues. This build-up may be the cause of several different health problems and conditions. Cupping can help clear out dead cells, toxins, and other debris by rushing blood to the sites being treated. It is beneficial to drink water after a cupping session to help flush away the impurities and promote better health.

 

Skin

 

Cupping is also used to reduce skin inflammation, eliminate acne and eczema, lessen herpes breakouts, and break up cellulite. This therapy is based on a belief that disease is caused by a blockage of positive energy trying to flow through the body’s meridians. When this blockage is removed, it allows the body to heal itself.

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Carpal tunnel syndrome

 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive, painful condition that interferes with the sensation and strength of your hands. In some cases, this condition can even decrease the functionality of your hands. Cupping can provide temporary pain relief from carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

 

Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This may relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue.

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Note: Please We have always informed clients that visible markings can result from cupping from 3 to up to 7-8 days following treatment. The client has to agree with marking; otherwise, cupping therapy is contraindicated.

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