Cupping uses a cup to pull an area of skin into a suction that decompresses muscles and connective tissue, separating fascia from skin, and muscles from fascia.

This promotes blood flow to the compromised area, enhances circulation and helps to increase the body's own healing processes — almost like a backward deep tissue massage.

There are several different types of cups ranging from glass to silicone and bamboo, and there are different ways to use them. Sometimes practitioners will only use one or two cups. Other times, they’ll cover your entire back with cups. Two popular types of cupping: stationary and sliding. Stationary cupping uses suction only, keeping the cups in place for a set time, usually 5 to 10 minutes. Sliding cupping is more like a deep tissue massage where the provider moves the cups over the area of pain or concern.

Cupping benefits are the following:

• 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.