What is Cupping?
Cupping is a form of alternative therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. These cups are typically made of glass, silicone, or bamboo, and can be either heated or used with a vacuum pump to create suction.
Cupping helps to pull interstitial fluid up to the surface so your lymph system can properly flush out the fluids and pulls fresh oxygenated blood into the vacuumed area. Cupping also helps to melt the connective tissue and ground substance surrounding all muscles which increase the range of motion in joints and overall mobility.
During a typical cupping session, the cups are applied to the skin, and the suction created by the cups draws the skin and underlying tissues upward into the cup, creating a vacuum effect. This can cause the skin to turn red or purple, and may also leave temporary circular marks on the skin that resemble bruises (but they are not) these are called "marks", which typically fade within a few days.
Cupping has various health benefits, such as improving blood flow, relieving muscle tension, reducing pain and inflammation, and promoting relaxation.
Cupping helps to pull interstitial fluid up to the surface so your lymph system can properly flush out the fluids and pulls fresh oxygenated blood into the vacuumed area. Cupping also helps to melt the connective tissue and ground substance surrounding all muscles which increase the range of motion in joints and overall mobility.
During a typical cupping session, the cups are applied to the skin, and the suction created by the cups draws the skin and underlying tissues upward into the cup, creating a vacuum effect. This can cause the skin to turn red or purple, and may also leave temporary circular marks on the skin that resemble bruises (but they are not) these are called "marks", which typically fade within a few days.
Cupping has various health benefits, such as improving blood flow, relieving muscle tension, reducing pain and inflammation, and promoting relaxation.
Contraindications for Cupping
While cupping is generally considered to be safe, there are certain contraindications, or situations in which cupping may not be appropriate or may pose potential risks. Some contraindications for cupping include:
- Broken or inflamed skin: Cupping should not be performed over areas of broken or inflamed skin, as it can exacerbate the condition and potentially cause further injury or infection.
- Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use: Cupping may cause bleeding, and therefore should be avoided in individuals with bleeding disorders or those who are taking anticoagulant medications, as it may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
- Skin conditions: Cupping should not be done over areas of the skin with dermatological conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rashes, as it may aggravate these conditions or cause discomfort.
- Pregnancy: Cupping should be avoided during pregnancy, especially over the abdomen or lower back, as the effects on the developing fetus are not well understood and may pose risks.
- Bone fractures or muscle tears: Cupping should not be applied directly over areas with recent bone fractures, muscle tears, or other acute injuries, as it may interfere with the healing process and worsen the condition.
- Severe medical conditions: Cupping should be used with caution in individuals with severe medical conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension, as it may exacerbate these conditions or interfere with ongoing medical treatments.
- Sensitivity or allergies: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to the materials used in cupping, such as the cups themselves or the lubricants applied to the skin. Care should be taken to avoid allergic reactions or skin irritations.
There are multiple options for massage which one is the best for me?
Relaxation Massage, Sports Massage, and Sarga Bodywork are three different types of massage therapy that are used for different purposes and have distinct techniques and goals. Here are some key differences between the three:
Relaxation massage, as the name suggests, is primarily focused on promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It aims to provide a calming and soothing experience, using gentle flowing Lomi Lomi strokes, and hot stones to help the recipient relax and unwind. It typically does not involve deep pressure or intense stretching.
Sports massage is specifically designed for athletes and individuals who are engaged in sports or physical activities. It is geared towards enhancing athletic performance, improving flexibility, preventing or managing sports-related injuries, and promoting muscle recovery. Sports massage often involves more vigorous techniques, such as deep tissue massage, cupping, stretching, and joint mobilization, to target specific muscles and address areas of tension or discomfort related to sports or physical activity.
Sarga Bodywork is a barefoot myofascial technique that utilizes a unique tool called the "sarga" to perform deep tissue and myofascial release techniques. The sarga is a long strap made of fabric that the therapist uses to apply pressure and traction to the client's muscles and fascia. This technique allows for precise and controlled pressure to be applied in various directions, helping to release tension, adhesions, and restrictions in the soft tissues of the body.
Relaxation massage, as the name suggests, is primarily focused on promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It aims to provide a calming and soothing experience, using gentle flowing Lomi Lomi strokes, and hot stones to help the recipient relax and unwind. It typically does not involve deep pressure or intense stretching.
Sports massage is specifically designed for athletes and individuals who are engaged in sports or physical activities. It is geared towards enhancing athletic performance, improving flexibility, preventing or managing sports-related injuries, and promoting muscle recovery. Sports massage often involves more vigorous techniques, such as deep tissue massage, cupping, stretching, and joint mobilization, to target specific muscles and address areas of tension or discomfort related to sports or physical activity.
Sarga Bodywork is a barefoot myofascial technique that utilizes a unique tool called the "sarga" to perform deep tissue and myofascial release techniques. The sarga is a long strap made of fabric that the therapist uses to apply pressure and traction to the client's muscles and fascia. This technique allows for precise and controlled pressure to be applied in various directions, helping to release tension, adhesions, and restrictions in the soft tissues of the body.
Do you sell gift certificates?
Gift Certificates are available online through Vagaro.com. Navigate to Gift Cards and fill out the information for the recipient. If you would like the gift certificate to be a surprise, simply check the print gift certificate option and uncheck the email option. Then you can print and give it to the lucky recipient as a paper gift certificate. Another option is to stop by the office and pick up a gift certificate. You can pay cash, credit card, or Venmo.
I have a gift certificate and am trying to book, it's asking for my credit card.
Vagaro.com will capture your credit card as a safeguard against no-shows, but nothing will be charged to the credit card.
Do you take insurance?
No, unfortunately, I am not contracted with Kaiser or HMSA. But what I DO take is No-Fault Auto Accident Insurance meaning if you were involved in an auto accident and you have a claim with your auto insurance company then you are eligible for massage. You do not pay anything for your massage Paradiso Bodywork & Massage will bill your insurance for you. All you need to have is a current referral from your doctor and a claim number from your auto insurance company. You can find the form here to get started. When booking on Vagaro.com please select No-Fault Motor Vehicle from the menu. Vagaro.com will still ask for your credit card but nothing will be charged, this is just a safeguard against no-shows.