Cupping therapy is a Chinese massage consisting of placing several cups (made of glass, china or bamboo) on the body.
A flame is placed momentarily inside the cup and removed when the air in the cup is heated. The cup is then placed against the skin and as the air in the cup cools the air pressure reduces and the cup is held against the body by suction. Cupping therapy is a skilful technique which can leave a soft rose or minor bruise from its application, these disappear in a few days without any marks.
When combined with massage oil the cups can slide around the back providing ‘reverse pressure massage’ (also called ‘walking cupping’).When combined with massage oil the cups can slide around the back providing ‘reverse pressure massage’ (also called ‘walking cupping’).