Cupping Therapy Training: What Massage Therapy Students Need to Know

Cupping Therapy is a healing technique that dates back to ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicine. Though it has a rich history, cupping became a household topic of conversation during the 2016 Olympics when swimmer Michael Phelps competed with distinct, circular bruises covering his back from a cupping treatment. 

What is Cupping Therapy

As the name suggests, cupping therapy is a type of therapy that uses cups to form suction on the skin for several minutes. The goal is to use a suction created beneath the cup to draw blood flow to or away from a specific area to promote healing. The force of the suction expands and breaks the tiny blood vessels under your skin. Then, your body replenishes those treated areas with healthier blood flow and stimulates healing at a cellular level. 

Benefits of Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is used to target several different ailments, like sore muscles and back and neck pain, and reduce fascial adhesions. It’s also used to treat chronic health issues like arthritis, asthma, carpal tunnel, migraines, high blood pressure, and more. 

Cupping Therapy Equipment and Techniques 

There are several different types and methods of cupping therapy, as well as different types of cups that are used. Different methods and materials are used to target different ailments.

• Static cupping is when cups are placed on the skin and left in the same spot; it’s used to target muscle tension and pain relief.
• Dynamic cupping is when the cups are moved across the skin using oil or lotion; it’s used to improve mobility and reduce stiffness.
• Wet cupping is when a small incision or abrasion is made, and blood is removed during the therapy; it’s used for deep tissue healing and detoxification.
• Dry cupping involves only suction with no blood removal; it’s used for general wellness and muscle relaxation.
• Fire cupping is when cups are heated with fire before they’re placed on the skin; it’s used to enhance blood flow. 
• Hot cupping is when warm cups are used; similar to fire cupping it’s used to enhance circulation.
• Silicone cupping uses flexible silicone cups that can be removed more easily; this is used as a less intense suction experience.
• Massage cupping combines the therapy with massage techniques; it’s used to provide deep muscle relaxation, improve lymphatic drainage, and break down fascial adhesions.
• Flash cupping is when the cups are placed on quickly and repeatedly removed; it’s used to stimulate muscles and desensitize tight areas. 

Cupping can also be combined with other therapies, like acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and more.

Expand Your Skill Set With Cupping Therapy at Bryan College Today

Cupping is generally performed by a registered massage therapist, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and other healthcare practitioners. 

Bryan College’s brand-new cupping therapy workshop is designed to provide healthcare professionals in Ontario with the knowledge and hands-on experience to add cupping to their skill sets and therapy offerings. The one-day course is eight hours long and covers everything from the history of cupping to benefits, types of cups, application techniques, and more. 

Learn more about our cupping course or enroll online today! 

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