As many of you already know, I’m now offering cupping therapy, which I can integrate into your massage for no additional charge!  I completed the Contemporary Cupping Methods certification program through the International Cupping Therapy Association in July of 2018, as well as a certification course through ACE Massage Cupping.  Then in April of 2019 I completed the ICTA Advanced Cupping Techniques certification course. Massage and cupping are two of my favorite forms of self-care!  Cupping has been used for thousands of years, by many different societies, for a variety of therapeutic applications.  I received my first cupping treatment from my acupuncturist back in Portland about ten years ago, and I LOVED it!  It is relaxing and feels great (although I have to admit, over really tight, tender areas like the IT band, even light application can be really intense, but it’s REALLY effective for releasing those tissues!).  Cupping uses negative pressure to lift and loosen soft tissue (muscles, connective tissues, fascia, scar tissue, adhesions), increase blood and lymph flow, and engage the parasympathetic nervous system to allow the body to relax.
 
So far I’ve been able to successfully help clients dealing with plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, muscle tension and stiffness, and more!  For self-care at home I use them on myself all the time for my back, neck, shoulders, hips, legs, arms, and it’s helped me so much!  I don’t like abdominal massage, but abdominal cupping feels amazing and really helps digestion!  I could go on and on, but I won’t for the sake of those of you who don’t want to keep reading. 🙂  If you do, please go to the International Cupping Therapy Association website, and you’ll find tons of information!  The home page has a detailed history, the FAQ page will answer the rest of your questions, and you can see pictures of the many different types of cups and their applications.  I’m happy to talk about it anytime, or we can talk about it during your next massage appointment!