Cupping & Gua Sha

Both Cupping and Gua Sha are techniques that have been practiced for several thousand years within the discipline of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Both techniques involve the use of a tool to generate release of restriction and stagnation within soft tissues of the body. These techniques promote increased circulation within and waste removal from the body’s tissues. Please note: these are not services in which the client should expect to dictate the terms of the service, such as in traditional massage. The therapist will determine the location, level of pressure, and duration of application in the areas where treatment is applied.

Cupping

Cupping facilitates release in the body’s soft tissues by using suction to promote softening and healing in adherent and restricted tissue. This suction is a method of tissue decompression, pulling blood and fluid up to the dermis layer of the skin where it becomes oxygenated, relieving stagnation in the deeper tissue; the deeper layers of tissue are replenished by fresh blood and fluid to promote healing and hydration. Cups can be used in a gliding motion as well as placed statically in a location for several minutes. Once the cup is released, and over time, the blood and fluid that had been pulled up are reabsorbed into the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and ultimately waste and toxins released from the restricted tissue can be processed and removed from the body. Cupping can mimic the effects of massage at any level of pressure, from lymphatic to deep tissue massage. It can be effective up to 4 inches below the surface of the skin. Cupping is considered a non-invasive treatment, although deeper treatments can be associated with mild detoxification effects for the receiver.

Gua Sha

Gua sha involves the scraping of a variety of tools over certain locations on the body. It promotes benefits in the connective tissue and superficial tissues of the body, as well as scar tissue. The therapist will use lubricant and apply repeated pressurized strokes to the treatment area, causing discoloration. In modern days, gua sha is a technique within the broad category of soft tissue modalities known as Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). Gua sha is considered an invasive treatment and clients should avoid vigorous activity for the rest of the day after receiving. Clients might also feel a stronger detoxification effect post-treatment, including mild fatigue, soreness and headache.

New Clients

Please fill out the paperwork ahead of your appointment. Also, please come at least 15 minutes early so you do not lose any time on the table. We will need the time to do a thorough intake of your first time with us. Early is always best for all sessions. Click here fill out the New Client Form

CHILDREN UNDER 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent. The parent must be present in the room for the entires session. No unattended children under the age of 18 years old can be left in our waiting room while family members are in session.

Who would benefit from Cupping / Gua Sha

Both cupping and gua sha therapies are beneficial to individuals with a wide variety of conditions and situations. Clients who are interested in more discussion about their own needs should email scheduling@freedommassage.com or arrange a call with one of our therapists to receive more information and have their questions answered. Some population groups and conditions for which these therapies have demonstrated very positive results:

Athletes / Performers / Dancers: pre- and post-event or performance; routinely as part of fitness / training recovery regimen
Scar tissue, including scars from burns, surgery, C-section
Cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchial / respiratory conditions, asthma
Scoliosis
Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s
Chronic “knots”, frozen shoulder, compensation patterns
Arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis
Certain skin conditions, stretch marks
TMJ
Migraines / headaches
Seasonal allergies, chronic sinus issues
Lymphatic drainage

Because of the benefits to the treated soft tissue, many individuals experience improvements in tissues all the way to the surface of the skin. At the superficial level, cupping and gua sha tonify the skin, helping the body to produce collagen and to draw in hydration, truly reducing fine lines and dimples by improving the quality of the skin itself. Over time, people often experience improvement in tone and complexion due to the natural removal of waste and toxins.

Considerations with receiving Cupping / Gua Sha

There are several considerations for the client around pre-/post-treatment with both cupping and gua sha therapy:

Clients should not eat for one hour before and one hour after receiving treatment
Clients should minimize consumption of cold food and drink, as cold causes contraction and can delay the healing process
Clients should minimize the use of caffeine and alcohol – these are diuretics and can cause the body to lose fluids, minerals and vitamins, slowing the healing process
Clients should avoid wind exposure to any treated areas, and try to keep treated areas warm and covered by clothing
Clients should avoid showering for at least one hour after treatment, and should avoid cool-water bathing for at least 24 hours after treatment
Clients should avoid saunas, hot tubs and aggressive exercise for 4-6 hours after treatment
Gentle stretching, range of motion exercises and walking are beneficial post-treatment, and are suggested as ways to help increase circulation and aid in the fading of the marks