Sonal Strasser is Certified in Modern Chinese Cupping by the International Cupping Therapy Association.
Benefits of Cupping
Since the techniques use negative pressure, rather than tissue cmpression, superior bodywork ranging from Myofacial Release and deep tissue work to Manual Lymphatic Drainage is easily accomplished. The suction of the cups rapidly facilitates rigid soft tissue release by stretching it up from underlying structures, thus loosening area of adhesion or restrictions, activating muscle spindle reflexes that relax contractile tissue and training the myofacial structures from pain and disease.
The effects are remarkable on hypertonicity and aching muscles and activate the secretion of the synovial fluids, which release joint stiffness in ways not possible using the pressure of traditional massage. It concurrently creates localized expansion of tissue, producing a profound vasodilatation reaction -drawing blood flow to areas of ischemic pain, raising skin temperature, promoting metabolism within the skin tissue for better functioning of sweat and sebaceous glands, flushing capillary beds, draining stagnant blood, toxins and lymph, and re-supplying vital nutrients.
Its use in beauty therapy is based round promoting hormone production, encouraging blood and the secretion of digestive fluids and increased peristaltic movements in the bowels and internal organs, thus removing harmful toxins that speed up the aging process and other degenerative conditions. Another effective application of the cupping techniques is the treatment of cellulite. A very light suction provides drainage, while heavier application can be sued to stimulate circulation and loosen adhesions or "dimpling".
Another application of Negative Pressure Massage includes an extraordiinary face lift and drainage treatment which I call Facial Rejuvenation Therapy.(see "Facial Rejuvenation Therapy" tab)
What is Cupping Therapy?
Negative pressure, rather than tissue compression is superior for bodywork for pain, stubborn conditions, repetative strains, inflammation, toxicity, chonic fatigue, digestive problems and a slew of other issues we confront as we grow older.
Suction cups rapidly facilitate rigid soft tissue release, loosens and lifts connective tissue, breaks up and drains stagnation while increasing blodd and lymph flow to the skin and muscles in ways not possible using compression.
Another benefit of Cupping is that it can feel really great when done properly for your constitution and current physiology and/or condition. The pulling action engages the parasympathetic nervous system, thus allowing a deep relaxation to move through the entire body. It is not unusual to fall asleep when receiving certain aspects of this treatment. You will be surprised at how relaxed, warm and light you'll feel- hours...even days afterwards.
What does it treat?
Cupping is a powerful detoxifying, pain relieving and energy building modality that people all over the world use for health maintenance. But there are also a huge number of conditions that respond positively to Cupping.
What can I expect as far as physical effects from suction cup therapy?
The after effects of Cupping are most intense at the beginning of receiving treatments, and lessen dramatically as your system becomes accustomed to the treatments as they cumulate. Besides the effects Cupping provides for specific conditions, injuries and illnesses, some of the general after effects include:
*The need for sleep *Intense hunger (munchies) *No appetite *Similar to post deep tissue Massage *Nausea *Euphoria *Feelings of being "hung over" *Increased bowel elimination *Stronger body odor (DETOX) *"Best night's sleep in years" *Inability to sleep *Vivid Dreams *Night Sweats *Heightened senses (Smell, Sight, Sound) *Craving for certain foods *Thirst and cotton mouth *Emotional Release *Stronger than normal Bowel and Urine odors *Skin feels warmer than normal *Chills *Restless (wanting to clean, orgainze, etc.) *Soreness, like after a very strenuous exercise *Feeling of reduced mass, inscreased height *Headache
What's the explanation of the marks or discolorations that sometimes occur as a result from suction cup therapy?
One of the common and unfortunate misconceptions concerning cupping is the misinterpretation of the discoloration. "Bruising" is caused by impact trauma with breakage of capaillaireis and reactionary rush of fluids to the damaged area from the tissue compression/injury. There is not compression in properly employed suction cup therapy. Although it is quite common during Stationary Cupping (left static for 5-20 minutes) to achieve dramatic 'marks' or discoloration', the less aggressive action of moving the cups, minimized the intensity and duration of the discolorations.
Often, when a condition exists within deeper structures where sufficient pathologic factors and stagnant fluids (toxins, blood and lymph) are dredged up during treatment, discolorations will appear on the skin. This is a therapeutically desired effect- the more this is visible, the greater the level of stagnation and toxicity. The discoloration will fade over a few days. As treatments cumulate and the release of stagnation and buildup has been dispersed and drained - (usually by the 3rd or 4th treatment) no discoloration is likely to occur at all. If it does it goes away very quickly. Even though each time the cupping may have been focused on the same area for the same duration and with the same amount of negative pressure. This is clearly the result of having internal unwanted toxins systematically purged.
Regardless of the therapeutic value in drawing these agents out of the body, if you or your family members have any hesitation in your having these markings, then Suction Cup Therapy IS NOT FOR YOU.