CUPPING THERAPY IN CENTRAL LONDON
Most people know cupping from the circular marks they've seen on swimmers, athletes or somebody at the gym. Understandably, the first question is usually: what exactly happened there? Cupping Therapy uses suction rather than the downward pressure of traditional massage. At Muscle Flow Massage, I use it as an additional technique that can be incorporated into selected massage treatments when appropriate.
HOW DOES CUPPING WORK?
Special cups are placed against the skin and suction is created inside them. Instead of pushing down into the tissue as I would with my hands during massage, the cups create a pulling sensation. They can be placed on specific areas for part of the treatment and then removed before we continue with the rest of the massage. It's actually quite straightforward once you've experienced it.
WHAT DOES CUPPING FEEL LIKE?
Different. That's probably the most accurate description if it's your first time. You'll feel the skin being pulled upwards as the suction is created. It should feel noticeable, but it doesn't need to be excessively uncomfortable. The amount of suction can be adjusted, and I'll check how it feels rather than assuming stronger is better.
WHY COMBINE CUPPING WITH MASSAGE?
I don't see cupping as a replacement for hands-on massage. Instead, it's another technique I can use within a treatment. For example, I may work manually across your back and shoulders and incorporate cups into selected areas before continuing with massage. It tends to fit particularly naturally alongside Sports Massage and Deep Tissue Massage. Most importantly, I don't use it simply because it's available. If there's no reason to include cupping in your treatment, we don't need to.
WILL CUPPING LEAVE MARKS?
Possibly and this is worth knowing before you book. The suction can leave the familiar circular marks associated with cupping. Their colour and how noticeable they are vary from person to person, and they generally fade with time. If you're about to go on holiday, have an event coming up or simply don't want visible marks, tell me beforehand. We can either adjust what we do or leave cupping out completely.
CAN CUPPING BE ADDED TO SPORTS MASSAGE?
Yes, where appropriate. Cupping can be incorporated into a Sports Massage rather than necessarily being treated as a completely separate appointment. The same applies to Deep Tissue Massage. If you're interested, mention it when you book or at the beginning of the session and we can decide whether to include it.
DO I NEED CUPPING?
Not necessarily. Cupping has become very visible in sport and fitness, but that doesn't mean everyone needs it. My approach is to use techniques because they make sense within your treatment, not because they're fashionable or look impressive on Instagram. If a straightforward massage is the better option for you, that's what we'll do.
CUPPING THERAPY IN SOHO & LIVERPOOL STREET
I offer Cupping Therapy in Central London as part of selected treatments at my Soho and Liverpool Street / City of London locations. If you've never tried it and have questions, you're welcome to ask before deciding whether you'd like it included.