CUPPING is a form of massage therapy which decompresses soft tissues using vacuum suction, unlike other forms of massage that compresses soft tissues. During cupping, the cup gently sucks to your skin and lifts underlying soft tissue into the cup.

How does it feel?

Cupping is very relaxing and generally not painful. The sensation that is experienced is a pulling of the skin as the cup is moved in a rolling fashion. Redness or a feeling of warmth is usually experienced after the release of the cup due to increase blood flow to the area. Cupping can leave ‘bruises’ but are not painful and are actually an indicator of stagnation being released!

Cupping benefits:

Release scar tissue and fascial adhesions
Reduce painful trigger points
Improve circulation, blood and lymph circulation
Relieve pain
Promote mobility and range of motion
Improves mature scars
Decrease toxins

GUA SHA is an ancient Chinese technique often used in combination with massage. Gua Sha is performed using special tools, often made from jade stone. After oil is applied to the client’s skin, the practitioner will use a technique which involves scraping along the skin in one direction. It is not painful, and can feel very relieving. Marks are often left on the skin, and like cupping, this is an indicator of stagnation being released.

Gua Sha helps to improve blood and lymph circulation, and help remove toxic compounds from the body. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as relaxes tense muscles and joint pain. Gua sha can help to regenerate diseased tissue. It can also help to improve the quality of sleep and improve physical and mental fitness.