I am excited to bring my new therapy addition of Cupping to my clients in their massage treatments, training again with The School Of Natural Therapies in London.

Cupping is an ancient therapy first recognised in Egypt and is an effective therapy to reduce pain associated with muscle tension and can improve range of motion. It can be used as a stand alone therapy or combined with other soft tissue techniques like fascial manipulation, soft tissue treatment and sports massage.  Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create a vacuum. While it primarily affects the skin and underlying superficial tissues, it can also have an impact on deeper soft tissues such as muscles and fascia.  It helps to promote blood flow, relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, promote overall relaxation and help to kick start the body's natural healing process.

Cupping is rarely painful.  It can leave light to dark red marks where blood has been pulled to the surface.  The darker the marks the more problematic the area is.  These can last 7-10 days. The amount of treatments needed depend on your symptoms.  Some people use cupping as a preventative measure and will make monthly appointments.

Cupping was recently bought to the nations attention during the Paris Olympics.  Lots of athletes involved in a wide range of sports were seen with cupping marks on their skin in various places around their bodies.