Massage Techniques: Cupping
Updated: Sep 14
During cupping, edges of one or two downwardly facing cupped hands strike the skin in quick succession. As cuppped hands are brought down in quick succession, a vaccum is created, which ceases when the hands are lifted. The sound should be hollow, similar to horse hooves striking the ground. The client is asked to take a deep breath, and cupping begins upon the exhalation. Cupping tapotement specifically is part of postural drainage and percussion (PD&P), an airway clearance technique used on the back and chest to loosen mucus in the lungs so it can be removed by coughing. PD&P is discussed in Mosby's Pathology for Massage Professionals.
Furthermore, cupping tapotement is different from "cupping therapy", which uses the placement of plastic, silicone, or glass cups on the skin to create suction and lift the issues. Negative pressure is generated by withdrawing trapped air from the cup, either mechanically by pumping it out or thermally by cooling heated air (the latter is called fire cupping). Negative pressure causes the skin and fascia beneath the cup to lift, which causes skin reddening from increased perfusion (movement of fluids through capillaries into interstitial spaces). Cupping therapy is also called fascial cupping. Cupping therapy, like IASTM, originated from traditional Chinese medicine. Cups come in various sizes. Larger cups create stronger suction and are used for large muscular areas such as the back and legs. Smaller cups create a weaker suction and are used for smaller areas such as the ears and face. There are two types of cupping therapy.
Dry cuppid. Use of suction only
Wet cupping. Use of suction and bloodletting. The skin is pricked with a needle. This type of cupping is invasive and outside a massage practitioner's scope of practice. There are several types of cupping therapy techniques.
Static cupping. The cup remains on the skin for the duration of treatment
Shaking/rotational cupping. The cup is shaken or rotated in a stationary position.
Flash cupping. The cup is repeatedly released and replaced on the skin for the duration of treatment.
Glide cupping. The cup is moved across the lubricated skin for the duration of treatment.
Cupping therapy can reduce, increase function, and reduce cellulite. Cupping often leaves temporary marks on the skin, which disappear in two days but can linger for up to days. In fact, clients may select not to receive cupping therapy because of this side effect. In addition to contraindications related to all massage methods, cupping is not recommended for people taking anticoagulant medications or who have blood disorders. Dry cupping therapy can be applied as follows:
Place a clean cup over the treatment area and mechanically remove the air by squeezing it or by using a pumping device. This action causes the skin to rise into the cup.
Apply the cupping technique of your choice (static, shaking/rotational, flash, gliding). If the cup pops off the skin before treatment is complete, reapply the cup and continue.
Treatment duration ranges from 3 to 5 minutes.
Cupping therapy and cupping tapotement are different.
Cupping tapotement is part of postural drainage and percussion (DD&P), an airway clearance technique used on the back and chest to loosen mucus in the lungs so it can be removed by coughing. PD&P is used as part of treatment in respiratory conditions such as pneumonia.
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