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Glass cups used in cupping therapy aligned along the spine of a client on massage table

Learn the Art of Cupping

Cupping is used by massage therapists, chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, and practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. When massage therapists add this skill to their repertoire of massage techniques, they have the opportunity to offer clients an alternative treatment thought to benefit a variety of ailments and conditions.

HICI Go is an online center that hosts a diverse catalog of health and beauty courses online for people in Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, or anywhere else in the U.S. We provide courses for those interested in beauty and wellness, as well as industry professionals who want continuing education credits. Learn cupping from experienced massage instructors at HICI Go.

What Is Cupping?

During cupping therapy, a series of cups are placed on the body. Suction raises the area of skin beneath the cups, and the body reacts as to an injury. This process brings up blood and fluids into that part of the body, increasing circulation. The technique is thought to release toxins and promote regenerative cell growth. After the skin is raised, the practitioner will keep the cup with the raised skin on the body for various lengths of time, from a few minutes up to 20 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. The process usually creates marks on the skin of the client, which usually disappear within a week to ten days.

Cupping is also used to lift the skin away from underlying layers of fascia, creating space for the massage therapist to manipulate muscles and connective tissue. In this way, cupping is a deep-tissue massage technique, used in areas where muscles are tight and painful. Running cupping is one method that uses both oil and suction. After placement, the therapist moves the cups along the body to massage and loosen muscles and tendons.

Practitioners may use cups made of glass, rubber, or silicone. There are several methods used to create a vacuum inside the cup, depending on the type of cup. Acupuncturists and other Chinese medicine practitioners may set prescribed herbs or other medicines on fire within the cup, and as the cup cools the vacuum is created. Physical therapists may use rubber cups fitted with a hand pump to instigate suction. Massage therapists use a variety of materials and cupping techniques, depending on their training and experience.

Benefits of Cupping

Practitioners use cupping to help treat many conditions. It is used to help alleviate pain and inflammation, increase blood flow, and promote relaxation and well-being. In Chinese medicine, cupping is thought to increase the flow of life energy or qi, and to help balance the polarities of yin and yang. Cupping can be used to help treat:

  • Skin problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Congestion from allergies
  • Headaches, including migraines
  • Lower back pain
  • Shoulder and neck pain
  • Knee pain
  • Shingles
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Irritable bowel disease

How Can I Learn the Art of Cupping?

HICI Go offers live, in-person courses on cupping through partner institutions, including Cortiva Institute and Hollywood Institute, in Florida, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Texas. We are also an online center, hosting a catalog of beauty, health, and wellness courses for industry professionals and interested individuals throughout the U.S. We cater to learners at all levels, with courses in massage therapy, skin care, hair, and makeup.

When participating in a course at one of our partner institutions, students receive a login to access HICI Go online courses. Throughout the health and wellness industries, licensed professionals, beginners, and home enthusiasts can access webinars and online, anytime instruction. Expand your massage practice by learning about cupping and other massage techniques. Contact us today.