Medical Massage Cupping is a therapy that utilizes plastic cups and a vacuum pistol to create suction on the body surface. These cups are moved over the skin using gliding, popping, shaking, and rotating techniques while gently pulling up on the cup or parking it for a short time to facilitate joint mobilization for soft tissue release. This suction reaches deep into the soft tissues, attachments, and organs. Additionally, it pulls toxins and inflammation from the body and to the surface of the skin where the lymphatic system can more readily eliminate them.
The purpose of Massage Cupping is to promote health and healing by loosening soft tissue and connective tissue, scarring and adhesions, moving stagnation and increasing lymphatic flow and circulation. These cups are also used for lymphatic drainage massage, which is very light pressure with long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to increase the flow of lymph and reduce toxins in the body. The lymph system is part of the body's immune system and helps fight infection. This type of massage is used most often for the removal of swelling.