Below are some frequently asked questions about:

  • Massage Therapy
  • Cupping Therapy


    Massage Therapy

    Massage – How Much Do You Know?

    Massage therapy is still an evolving practice, even though it has been around since 300 BC. This is because there is not enough information for people to learn the true benefits of massage.

    What is Massage?

    Massage is having someone apply various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissue of the human body. It is a safe, caring, non-sexual touch that soothes the body, and quiets the mind.

    What Can Massage Do For Me?

    Depending on the type of massage you receive the benefits can vary. There are about 150 variations of massage. Overall the benefits are as follows:

    • Relieves muscle tightness, muscle spasms, and aches and pains
    • Reduces stress and calms the nervous system
    • Reduces inflammation from an injury
    • Boosts the immune system
    • Increases circulation, flexibility, and joint mobility
    • Helps the body assimilate oxygen and exchange cellular waste.

    What Can I Expect With My First Massage?

    Your first appointment will consist of giving the massage therapist a general health history. In the privacy of the treatment room, you will remove all clothing and cover yourself with a drape. The drape is only removed on the area that is being worked on. Massage given directly on your skin is more beneficial and will be done to your own comfort level. The therapist will massage you using different techniques. These can consist of kneading, compressions, rocking, and friction using different amounts of pressure. For best results, you must communicate with your therapist. If something doesn’t feel right, tell them.

    How Do I Know If The Massage Is Working?

    After about three visits you should be noticing an improvement in your condition.

    When Should You Return For A Massage?

    From your first visit, the therapist should give you an idea of when your next visit should be. As a general rule; after your first massage, you should return within a week. This helps to ensure that the work done is maintained. Massage is used as a maintenance system. Problems can not be taken care of in one treatment.

    If you have any medical of structural problems you may need a referral. In some cases before a massage can be done, permission from a licensed health authority may be needed.

    Massage is now being covered in benefit plans. Check into your plan to see if you have coverage. The general rule for massage is – if you feel like one, treat yourself to one.



    Cupping Therapy

    What is Massage Cupping?

    Massage Cupping is an adaption of ancient technique and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Glass or plastic cups along with vacuum pump create a negative pressure on the skin’s surface. Cups are then moved using various techniques while gently pulling up. The cups can also be parked or left on a particular area for short duration to facilitate joint mobilization or soft tissue release. Suction reaches deep into soft tissue, attachments and organs. Toxins, inflammation, blood and lymph are then pulled to the skins surface. The outcome is increased
    circulation, lymph flow and the sensation is truly indescribable.

    Is Massage Cupping therapy safe?

    This technique is used safely in children, adults and elderly persons.

    What is the discoloration that occurs with some of the treatments?

    The marks that are commonly left from Massage Cupping treatments are the desired result and are called a “cup kiss”. It indicating the release of intense stagnation (body fluids and toxins) in the area.One of the common and unfortunate misconceptions concerning cupping is the misinterpretation of the discoloration.

    “Bruising” is caused by impact trauma with breakage of capillaries and reactionary rush of fluids to the damaged area from the tissue compression/injury. There is no compression in properly employed suction cup therapy. Although it is quite common during Stationary Cupping (left static for 5 – 20 minutes) to achieve dramatic ‘marks’ or ‘discolourations’, the less aggressive action of moving the cups, minimizes the intensity and duration of the discolorations. Reddness dissipates from a few hours to as long as 6 weeks.

    What are the therapeutic effects of Massage Cupping?

    • Lymph Drainage
    • Loosen Adhesions
    • Release Deep Tissue Issues
    • Move Stagnation
    • Relieve Inflammation
    • Stimulate Blood Flow
    • Sedate the Nervous
    • Breaks Up and Expels Congestion
    • Stretches Muscle and Connective Tissues
    • Loosens Adhesions
    • Pulls blood supply to the Skin
    • Facilitates the movement of Qi and Blood systemically and locally
    • Dispels wind, damp and cold to treat muscle and joint pain, stiffness, and arthritis
    • Strengthens the immune system by promoting the flow of lymphatic fluid
    • Treats excess heat conditions, fever, stress, depression, and anxiety
    • Cleans the blood and lymph and helps to balance PH levels

    It is recommended that cupping should not be combined with aggressive exfoliation, 4 hours after shaving, after a sunburn or when hungry or thirsty.

    Avoidence of exposure to extreme cold, wet and/or wind weather
    conditions, hot showers, baths, saunas, hot tubs and aggressive exercise for 24 hours.

    Avoidance of caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods and drinks, dairy and processed meats are recommended to continue balanced organs and detox effects.

    An abundance of water and clean eating should be consummed after cupping.

    Large meals and greasy foods should be avoided before Massage Cupping.

    What can I expect as far as physical effects from Massage Cupping?

    The after effects of Cupping are most intense at the beginning of receiving treatments, and lessen dramatically as your system becomes accustomed to the treatments as they cumulate.

    • the need for sleep
    • intense hunger (munchies)
    • no appetite
    • similar to post deep tissue massage
    • nausea
    • euphoria
    • feelings of being “hung over”
    • increased bowel elimination
    • stronger body odor (detox)
    • “best nights sleep in years”
    • inability to sleep
    • vivid dreams
    • night sweats
    • heightened senses (smell, sight, sound)
    • craving for certain foods
    • thirst and cotton mouth
    • emotional release
    • stronger than normal bowel & urine odors
    • skin surface warmer than normal
    • chills
    • restless (wanting to clean, organize, etc.)
    • soreness, like after strenuous exercise
    • feeling of reduced mass – increased height
    • skin itchiness or soreness

    How many treatments will I need?

    A cupping course of 5-10 treatments is recommended to achieve the full benefit of this therapy. Although effects may be noticed immediately they may fade if it is a long standing problem with other issues to address, functionally, emotionally, enviromentally and structurally.

    Other Benefits:

    Cupping can also be good for relieving the appearance of wrinkles and cellulite.

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