Cupping questions

[Aisha]

I just bought The Art of Cupping dvds and a glass, vacuum cupping set. I practiced on my hubby today and had him do some on me so I could get an idea of what it felt like. While he loved it, I didn't like it at all. He has learned how to give me a pretty good massage just from me giving them to him and telling him movements. So, I thought this would be the same. I'm wondering if it was technique or just not something I'm going to like. Anyone have experience with clients just not liking it? I have a close friend that is a MT so I am going to have her do it to and see if that changes my opinion.
My other question is, are there times when it hurts and what is that about? For example, when I did his upper, anterior arm where he has some stretch marks it hurt initially, but subsided. Was this due to adhesions or something else? I did adjust the suction, but this didn't immediatly alleviate discomfort. It didn't hurt the same on the other arm. There was also similar problems with his lumbar area. I could feel a difference in these areas. When he worked on me, I couldn't even tolerate the pain. He also did the posterior, upper arm on me and it HURT!!! I don't know which hurt worse the lumbar area or posterior, upper arm. Is this something that just needs worked out? Was the suction too much? Not enough lubrication? While my initial response is that it is something that needs worked out I'm hoping others that have done cupping massage will be able to concur or give me ideas. Any suggestions or thoughts are appreciated.
TIA,
Tonya

 

[Frank N. Stein]

I use cupping A LOT! and receive it occasionally. Personally, I don't like it that much, it feels weird, but the relief I get when it's applied properly is far beyond regular (by hand) massage techniques. My clients run the gamut from "love it" to "hate it but it helps." I've had only one person in two years who asked for it, then decided that it was too uncomfortable.

I generally use lots of oil, and cup very lightly for somebody's first time, and only use the cups on the back. After the person is used to the sensation, if needed, I will use the cups on other parts like arms and legs. It seems to be more uncomfortable on areas that are tight or adhered. In "normal" areas, it's more of a pleasant pulling.

Generally the people who love MFR techniques like skin rolling will love cupping, and those (like me) who pretty much hate skin rolling have a hard time getting used to the cupping.

 

[sofeinurbizness]

Is this the type of massage cupping everyone does?

http://worldmassageforum.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=588&Itemid=65

I'm a bit confused. I was at a seminar in Vegas a few weeks ago for back and neck, the instructor had glass cups with a vacumm pump on it. I found this website demonstrating cupping massage.

I've been doing searches and found the same rubber type cups on this website.
http://www.slipstreamtherapy.com/Home/tabid/224/Default.aspx

I ordered the manual and video from them (haven't received it yet) and will order the cups next month. Surgery is in order for me next week so I have to add in recoup time anyway.

Thanks for all advice!

 

[Emerald knight]

The cupping is similar to what that video showed. The videos I got were The Art of Cupping Massage and are available at http://www.cuppingmassage.com and you can get CEUs for them.
I use glass cups with a vacuum hand pump, but you can use plastic vacuum cups or traditional fire cups. I think the rubber ones may be fairly new and they aren't available from http://www.lhasaoms.com which is an oriental medicine website that I got my cups from.
I've been practicing on cowokers at the salon/spa I work at and they love it. I can't wait to add it to the services I offer.

 

[Deans]

Massage cupping

I first experienced cupping from my acupuncturist (he uses fire cups and a very strong suction)
I ordered the video about Massage cupping from Anita Shannon and practiced that.
I have been doing it for several years. Like others said clients love it or hate it. I don't usually do it on new clients. I use the plastic/suction type and will place them on areas needed (back mostly) for awhile and then if I do the massage with them will start out with a fairly gentle suction and can increase after a little while. It can be very painful when the facia is stuck down.
Interesting thing is the bruising and pain diminish as several sessions go by and the problem area gets better.
Just my experience.

 

[Manuel P.]

Cupping

I use the glass cups, in a remedial cupping style which works really well on loosening superficial fascia and brings seforum.xxxnant blood and toxins to the surface to be drained. The style is where you oil up the area first then apply the cup glass cup (it must have a broad rim with no sharp edges) then you can drag the cup up and down the area slowly making sure the suction doesn't break... its more of an advanced technique but when mastered it has amazing benefits.

 

[Sacha Redux]

I was trained in cupping as part of my ABT training. Doing it as a massage techinique is foreign to me.

Off to check out those website though!