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Massage Cupping

Has anyone ever experienced a client have a bad reaction to vacuum cupping. I had a guy sign the release form and give it a try. When he left the session he had very light red marks from the sliding cups. I only used them for 2 minutes. I informed him of this and he said that it was fine. He called me the next day and said he had dark brown circle marks on both his posterior shoulder blades and was concerned.

If anyone has had this happen to them any advice is appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Gael Wood on January 10, 2013 at 9:51pm

I don't know much about it, but did find this article. :)

http://cuppingtherapy.org/pages/discolorations.htm

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Permalink Reply by Victoria Jenkins on January 21, 2013 at 6:54am

I have marks or "bruises" for 3 or 4 days after cupping. They range in color from red to brown. They dont hurt.

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Permalink Reply by Chuck Peck on January 25, 2013 at 6:09am

Hello Lisa,

I've used cupping for the last several years and love it. I use them in a western modality, keep thing them moving, typically only one cup at a time.

I've never had that type of reaction. Most walk out with a warm red glow across the treatment area but never anything that looked like a bruise.

BTW, on shoulder work I've done up to 30 minutes of cupping if needed, again with no ill effects.

Chuck Peck

AZ LMT

Site: http://www.carefreeservices.org

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Permalink Reply by HR Simondes on February 7, 2013 at 4:51am

Discolorations are result of detoxing and ARE a beneficial reaction. Purple, brown, grey, maroon etc - all can be signaling various toxins being pulled out of tissues. It's not dangerous - just looks weird as westerners are not used to them. The longer the cups remain in one place the more likely there will be colorations, also depends on how much and what types toxins have been stored in the body - every body is different. Usually cups stay stationery in Chinese med treatments but are moved around in massage treatments, in a sort of lifting up and pulling flowing action. More movement = less likely to discolor.

Anita Shannon is the cupping lady... go to http://massagecupping.com/ and learn more, or possibly cause reactions from clients who haven't been fully briefed. Best to experience all this yourself and become thoroughly familiar with the process before using on others ;>)

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Permalink Reply by Chris Reynolds on February 23, 2013 at 2:28am

If he is not in pain. It's not an issue. I have had cupping done many times in the past. I have turned out light red to a dark reddish brown for days afterwards. Their were no ill side effects. It's just drawing the toxins out. If he is concerned about it, it is just because it is something he is not use to. Next time you speak with him, ask him how he feels and that he is drinking plenty of water.

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Permalink Reply by A Better Way Massage & Acupunctu on February 23, 2013 at 2:21pm

Cupping does not produce bruising. This is a common misconception or
misunderstanding or misinterpretation. We call this discoloration Petechia. Said like
PeChia. This blemish occurs when the negative pressure from the suction the blemishing
(ecchymosis). The Petechia does not represent capillary rupture as in bruising. Althought
the marks look painful, they are not. Patients typically feel an immediate sense of relief,
warmth and change. The discolorations fade from hours up to two weeks, depending on
the amount of stagnation. The length of time it takes to fade indicates the severity and
toxicity of the patient’s condition. As treatments accumulate the marks will occur less
and less. This is a direct result of stagnation, debris and toxins being expelled from the
body. Petechia colors include white, gray, mauve, yellow, speckling or patches, blisters,
purple and blackish.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP WARM
AND AVOID DRAFTS
FOR 24 HOURS
AFTER RECEIVING CUPPING.
Avoid cold wind and hot baths.