Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine, in which a therapist puts special cups on the patient’s skin corresponding to the acupuncture points, for a few minutes to create a suction. The cups are made of glass or plastic.

Cultures over the world use cupping. Cupping is not only traditionally practiced in China and Japan, it is also a traditional healing method in Arab cultures, Central Europe and Russia.

People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.

There are two main categories of cupping performed today:

• Dry cupping is a suction-only method.
• Wet cupping involves puncture of the skin before suction to remove some blood during the procedure.

At Interactive Therapies we use the Dry Cupping method.  The therapist will locate the areas of tension and after warming up the tissues with a massage will apply the cups to the skin, use a pump to create a vacuum and a suction.

This traditional treatment remains favored by millions of people worldwide because it is safe and remarkably effective for many health disorders.

Cups can be used stationary to treat knot or pain point, or can be moved along the surface of the skin. Moving the cups creates a unique sensation as the underlying tissues are lifted.

The average time for cups to stay active on the skin surface is 10-20min.

There are two methods:

• The vacuum pump method:  Plastic Cups have a valve attached to a mechanical pump.
• The squeeze pump method: Rubber cups squeezed to create a vacuum.

As the skin is moved away from the underlying tissues, blood flow increases which brings essential nutrients to areas of tension.

Cupping loosens connective tissue or fascia and stimulates blood flow to the surface.

Clients with muscular aches and pains have found cupping to be beneficial in reducing their pain without the need for medication.

Cupping side effects:

After treatment, the skin around the rim of the cup may become irritated and marked in a circular pattern. (Round purple marks or circular bruises on the skin).  These marks will begin to fade after several days.

You may also feel pain and be lightheaded or dizzy shortly after your session.

Many diseases and ailments can benefit from cupping but today it is mostly used to treat:

• Headache and lymphatic blockages

• Soft tissue injuries

• Help to free up fascial adhesions

• Remove waste from soft tissues

• Increase blood circulation

Cupping is often used in conjunction with therapeutic massage.

“I was very tight around the shoulder blade. Cupping made a big difference to the tightness. Felt much freer movement and less tight after treatment and I had greater flexibility of shoulder blade and back. I felt great for 3-4 days after the treatment.”
Prudence Park

Cupping
$99.00 Massage with cupping

You will be booked in with a Therapist for 1 hour; treatments are 50 minutes in duration.