Cupping is used to relieve back pain, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, arthritis, and even cellulite. Separate studies have suggested that cupping therapy may help reduce pain associated with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, persistent low back pain, and chronic neck pain.

At Cure Touch Massage Therapy we use silicone Soma cups which allow us to perform placements and incorporate them into the massage. We use the suction to our advantage and can literally lift and move the stuck tissue. This unique service allows our clients to experience the effectiveness of a deep tissue massage in less time.

“Blood flow is the body’s way of naturally healing,” says Houman Danesh, M.D., an assistant professor of anesthesiology and rehabilitation medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital who frequently combines cupping with mainstream pain therapy techniques. “Increased blood flow can be beneficial to jumpstart or restart a blunted healing response.”

Cupping placements are typically left on for 5 minutes and are placed on different parts of the body at the same time. Cupping may leave round bruises on the skin, like hickies that will go away in a few days. This occurs because of the increased blood flow under the cup. So, you might end up looking like Michael Phelps for a few days.