8 Benefits of Myofascial Cupping
By Sarah Burgis, Registered Massage Therapist
What is Myofascial Cupping?
Myofascial Cupping is the use of silicone cups to release adhesions within the layers of the body’s fascia. There are two different types of silicone cups that are used for this treatment. A hard plastic cup with a pump handle, and then the more flexible silicone cups. As a massage therapist, I use the silicone cups in my treatments as I find them easier to integrate into a massage treatment.
Both cups use a change in pressure to create suction and lift the layers of tissue’s in a way that reduces adhesions and increases movement and blood flow.
What is Fascia?
Fascia can sometimes sound like something enigmatic and elusive. This mysterious substance within your body that’s causing you trouble. The truth is slightly less exciting. Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds the different structures within the body. These structures include muscles, bones, veins and organs, just to name a few. With Myofascial Cupping we target the fascial surrounding the muscles specifically. Fascia is made up of a number of different cells and substances, but it’s the elastin that’s the most relevant when we do myofascial work. Elastin is known the lend elasticity and resilience to the fascia.
8 benefits of myofascial Cupping:
Treats Adhesions
Adhesions are a big reason why most people tend to come in for cupping. Adhesions occur between the layers of the tissues in the body and can restrict range of motion in the joints and in some cases cause pain and discomfort. Adhesions can be caused by a large range of things, such as poor posture, trauma, under activity, surgery, dehydrations and stress.
Relaxes the Nervous System
Like massage, Myofascial Cupping lowers the activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System. Bringing your body out of a “fight or flight” mode and into a “rest and digest” state. Calming this nervous system helps to allow the body to prioritize healing.
Relieves Scar Tissues
In areas of past trauma there are increased numbers of adhesions and can be restrictions with movement. Using cupping to address the adhesions of the area can reduce pain and increase the range of motion of the affected part of the body.
Supports Detoxification
Your skin is a natural detoxifier, using perspiration to remove toxins from the body. Cupping can help accentuate this process. Pulling toxins and bad metabolites from the derma and helping purge them from the body. You can see this process during the treatment as the oil being used will turn a grey or even black as the metabolites leave the skin.
Increases Circulation
Myofascial Cupping instigates a local release of histamine, which works to increase the blood flow to the area and accelerate the healing process.
Treats Arthritis
While cupping cannot reverse the effects of arthritis, it is very helpful in relieving the aches and pains associated with this condition. The increased blood flow and encouraged movement of the fluids can help soothe discomfort and deliver relief to those that need it.
Benefits Pre/Post Surgery
Cupping the area of the to be incision can improve the health of the area. Helping the tissue to be as healthy and functional as possible before the trauma of the surgery. And after surgery, once the incision has healed, working with the scar tissue to reduce adhesions and increase functionality and range of motion.
Massage Warm-Up!
When doing Deep Tissue Massage we always work superficial to deep. Addressing the muscles closer to the surface before working deeper into the body. Warming up the superficial layers of the targeted tissues with cupping can help us access those deeper muscles that can be so problematic.
Interested in trying cupping for yourself? Book a Massage + Myofascial Cupping session with RMT Sarah Burgis.