Cups are used to suction soft tissue, and it is this vacuum effect, or negative pressure, that produces a therapeutic result. Therapists use cups to distract congested tissue, release trigger point and myofascial restriction, and to reduce pain and stiffness.

• Increases circulation
• Promotes relaxation
• Increases range of motion
• Decreases muscle tension
• Breaks down fascial restrictions, scar tissue, and adhesions
• Encourages healing and immunity
• Encourages lymph drainage
• Aids respiratory system

• Scar tissue
• Contusions
• Tension headaches
• Strains/sprains
• Whiplash
• Edema
• TMJ dysfunction
• Bursitis
• Tendonopathy
• Plantar fasciitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Chronic bronchitis, asthma
• ITB contracture
• Scoliosis
• Hyperkyphosis/hyperlordosis

Throughout your treatment, your practitioner will check in with you to make sure you are comfortable. You can expect about the same amount of pressure/discomfort as you may feel during a therapeutic Swedish massage therapy treatment.

It's better to stay away from warm temperatures for 2 hours before and 2 hours after the treatment as it can lead to skin damage and inflammation. You can return to all your other regular activities after the treatment.

Yes, as with regular massage therapy and other manual treatments, some people may experience some side effects like dizziness or light-headedness following the treatment if their blood pressure is low. Additionally, there will be round marks on the areas that are treated.

The therapy includes static placement of the cups as well as dynamic distraction while the therapist moves them around particular areas. Cups shouldn't stay on one spot longer than 15 minutes and can be removed sooner if there is any discomfort.

Cupping leaves red, circular marks that can look like bruises (but are not usually painful). There are caused by the increased circulation that the cups draw into the layers of the skin, and they usually last for around one week, sometimes a bit longer.