Myofascial cupping

What is myofascial cupping?

Myofascial Cupping is a form of remedial massage treatment combining and using Myofascial Release Therapy and Trigger Point Therapy.

Myofascial cupping is a soft tissue therapy that involves the application of decompressed cups on the skin, creating a vacuum effect that lifts up underlying tissues such as the fascia ( connective tissue ) and muscles, blood and other fluid, close to the surface of the skin. Myofascial cupping is typically applied on back, shoulder, neck, sacrum, hip, abdomen, legs and arms.

What conditions can myofascial cupping treat?

Here is a long list of possible situations that the myofascial cupping therapy can be very useful:

Headaches/Migraines
Asthma
Indigestion
Musculoskeletal Issues
Poor body circulation
Fibromyalgia
Plantar foot pain
Back pain
Neck pain
Chronic pain
Jaw pain or TMJ
Scar tissue
Muscle stiffness/tightness

What are the benefits of myofascial cupping?

There are many health benefits associated with myofascial cupping. These include:

Reduced muscle tension
Speedy recovery
Increased circulation
Encourages tissues to release toxins
Reduced anxiety
Reduced stretch marks and scars
Improvement in appearance of varicose veins and spide veins
Clears congestion
Assistance with treatment of asthma
Clears colon blockage
Aids digestion

Myofascial cupping has many therapeutic benefits which include:

Reduction in sympathetic nerve response and increased parasympathetic nerve response (relaxation effect on the body)
Passively stretch soft tissues
Draws blood from deep to superficial resulting in nourishing the skin by improving blood circulation
Increase tissue temperature
Reduce tension and adhesion in the tissues
Preventing fibrosis (scarring), correctly align collagen and assist the reduction of localised inflammation and aids recovery by increasing nutrient during the repair phase of an injury (sub-acute phase)
Drain lymph and cellular debris
Separate layers of connective tissue to bring hydration and blood flow to body tissues – soften tight muscles
Increase the range of movement and flexibility in joints
Move stagnations of lactic acid and metabolic waste and enable normal lymphatic flow to promote healthy circulation to help strengthen the immune system

Contraindications for Myofascial Cupping

Malignant tumours
Acute musculoskeletal injury
Low blood pressure or other acute circulatory condition -Diabetes and medicated for blood thinning
Herniated and bulging discs
Extreme cold or flu
Acute rheumatoid arthritis
Healing fracture
Hypersensitive of the skin
Aneurysm
Haematoma
Acute disease
High temperature
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Infectious disease

If ever that you have finally decided to try myofascial cup massage therapy, here are some of its important benefits:

Gently stretch your soft tissues and increase tissue temperature
Prevent the risks of fibrosis and localized inflammation
Regulate the blood flow and hydrate your body tissues to avoid muscle tightness
Improve body circulation for a stronger immune system
Increase the relaxation effect on your body
Nourishes the skin as a result of a stimulated blood circulation
Reduce the adhesion and tension in your tissues
Helps joints gain mobility for an improved range of movement

Myofascial cupping helps to lift and separate the fascia, reducing adhesions and helping to boost hydration, leading to benefits such as:

assisting the body in maintaining Range Of Motion in joints
eliminating Myofascial Trigger Points and reducing pain linked to fascial adhesions
reduce inflammation
reducing the incidence of injury;
and maintaining functional soft tissue.

Myofascial cupping is used for general pain relief and to improve circulation. It breaks down scar tissue from old injuries, reduces localised inflammation, reduces muscle tension, and increases joint range of motion.