Cupping

The purpose of this group is to network and share information about cupping.
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  • Shari Auth, LMT, L.Acu, NCBTMB

    I charged for my time, not for methods used.
  • Alex Savelev

    for best result I give 1h FBM + 30m specific treatments:
    Cupping (I don't use anymore glass cups, but flexible sleep streaming)
    or Gua-sha, need inform clients about marks and benefits of this treatments, also need clients sign agreement so you will be covered:)
  • Maria Troia

    I would like to invite anyone interested to join the AMMA Therapy group I have created:

    www.massageprofessionals.com/group/ammatherapy

    AMMA Therapy(R) is a form of Asian Bodywork. More information can be found at the AMMA Therapy(R) group.

    Maria Troia, MSEd, LMT, NCTMB, CH
    www.kiraholistic.com
  • Exie Buehler

    I use SlipStream suction cups frequently in my practice. Most of my clients really enjoy it and some of my fibromyalgia clients have found it especially beneficial in decreasing the frequency and intensity of their flares.
  • William F. Burton, Jr.

    I use the vacuum (suction) cups with the attachment and gun. I'm able to mimic a many of our massage strokes which really opens the door for creativity. There's a great cupping machine coming out soon which does the suction for you which really saves the hands! go to www.medicupping.com for more info.
  • Bianca Berrios

    I am looking for cupping in ceu's in my area or close by and having problems locating. Does anyone know of any in the CT, MA, NY, LI, RI or NJ area?
  • Maria Troia

    Bianca,

    Have you tried contacting the New York College of Health Professions (on LI) or maybe Swedish Institute in NYC? Both have CE programs. I don't know of any private instructors there, but will keep my ear to the ground for you.

    Maria Troia, MSEd, LMT, NCTMB, CH
    www.kiraholistic.com
  • William F. Burton, Jr.

    3 day Massagecupping workshop in the Philadelphia area:
    Conshokocken, Pennsylvania
    February 19, 20, 21
    For more info, feel free to go to gotyourback.com or massagecupping.com for listing of upcoming workshops in 2010.
  • Bianca Berrios

    Hello I am looking to take a massage cupping ceu in my area. Can anyone tell me where I may locate info. I am located in Fairfield County, Connecticut. I am 40 minutes from Manhattan. Looking for something either in CT, NYC, NJ. Any help I would appreciate it! Thanks:)
  • Michael Krizek 6304

    Is anyone interested in Medical Massage Cupping classes??? If so check out
    www:massagecupping.com or www:medicupping.com. See "before and after photo's of clients that have received Medical Massage Cupping. CE classes are posted on the massagecupping web site and classes are taught all over the USA. There is a special class being held by Anita Shannon, founder of Massage Cupping (tm) France in May 2010, Great rates, and why not turn your continueing ed class into a vacation you can use as a business expense.
  • Serenity Achieved!

    Is there anyone who does cupping in the King of Prussia, Valley Forge Phoenixville, PA area?
  • William F. Burton, Jr.

    Hey there Michael!!! Happy New Year. Hope to see ya in Ashville in March, first one on me.
  • ashley fleetwood

    I am getting ready to start learning cupping. I plan to get a set of the vacuum cups vs fire cupping (liability) - I am wondering if anyone has found a set that they really like? Also a preference for glass or plastic? Plastic seems to be more readily available. Also experience with the bulbs vs vacuum pistol/ hand pump? Have you found glass or plastic easier to maneuver/ move around?
    thanks!
  • Stephen Jeffrey

    Hi Micheal thanks for the heads up on the french classes, I just might get over there for that.
    I find myself looking at cupping because I've recently introduced skin rolling into my sessions with some very good feedback, re enhancing the triggerpoint work that I do (more effective and lasts longer ).
    The active cup appeals to me because sureley you have more controll = less unsightly marks and you are covering a wider area of the body ? shari says the marks aren't bruises so what is the discoloration ?
    What are the rules re crossing the spine (why does it hurt so much to lift the skin here?)

    My main focus is on chronic back pain, I have only recently learned of the fascia's ability to lay down more and more pain receptors in the lumber area.
    Can cupping prevent or even reverse this ? can anyone direct me to cupping and back pain research ?


    Thanks for taking time to answere.
  • William F. Burton, Jr.

    Hi Steve. If I may, I can address a couple of your questions. With negative pressure created by the suction of the cups you are lifting the skin and soft tissue(s) so going over the spine is fine. There's actually a technique used with the vacuum cups called "Popping" which is actually done on the spine. This technique, which is taught by the cupping educators, addresses the deeper layers of the back muscles: Rotatores, Multifidi etc.Again, with this technique, you are lift and not compressing, pushing, palpating etc on the spine.

    As far as the marks; We like to call them "cup kisses" or "cup doo-hickies". These marks are areas where there is stagnation. solid lymph that has not been processed by the lymphatic system. In reference to chinese medicine, these marks are called "Sha" It is never the intention of the massagecupping practitioner to create these marks but if they do appear it is used to our advantage to identify the stagnation, and/or dysfunction. The darker the color of the marks the more stagnation/dysfunction there is.
    Hope this helps a bit.
    William
    CMT, CMCE
  • Stephen Jeffrey

    Hi William thanks for the answeres, I have had the "popping" over the spine done to me and it did seam to offer a theraputic affect to the tension in my lower back.
    I was thinking the longer the cups are left on the more likely the marks, discolouration and eventual blood loss, but I suppose its to do with the strength of vacume as well?
    There seam to be forms of cupping where the sole aim of the session is to "remove bad blood" ?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCCCq1jJY-w

    Thanks again.
  • Kevin Green

    I have found cupping a valued method of treating myofacial restriction and less painful for many clients than skin rolling. I also use it with deep tissue at key areas. A point of understanding how cups work is important. when the air is removed from the cup the surrounding air pressure attempts to rush in. With the skin and deeper tissue restricting the surrounding air from entering the cup the tissue under the cup is pushed into the cup. This means that the lift is really a push from deep down. That makes the cup great for deep tissue work in that the air pressure is pushing up from deep layers that I could not easily reach with my hands. The cup kiss as many call it is often a side effect with deep tissue application but the pain is less than most manual deep tissue and results are faster in my experience. TCM does refer the cup kiss as evidence of stagnation Limited or restricted movement is or becomes stagnation. Bringing the blood to the surface draws fresh fluid in to replace it.
    This is done with the stationary cups and I use the plastic cups with a hand pump. I like using the glass fire cups with moving cup treatments but the insurance issues of fire cups discourages me.
  • William F. Burton, Jr.

    Well said Kevin. Excellent explanation.
  • Barbara Burgess

    I have just started cupping a few days ago. I am using the Slip Stream, plastic cups. I have found it to be extremely beneficial to my clients as well as myself. I am able to release facia and get into the skin at a deeper level and the client doesn't feel any pain. (Neither do I for that matter, LOL) It really does help save the hands. I generally keep the cups moving in an up and down motion along the back or wherever I am working. Sometimes, I will leave a cup in a certain area of pain such as the piriformis or the levator scapula. Sometimes I pull up on the skin to release the facia. I have gotten some great feedback from my clients and I look forward to many years of working with the cups. I wish I had bought 2 sets instead of one!
  • Barbara Burgess

    Is there anyone out there that uses the Slip Stream method of cupping? I am really enjoying using them and my clients love them, but I would like to speak with someone who does this method so I can learn more about them. I can not seem to find any information on the internet. Please let me know if you use them and what you do? Thanks
  • Maria Fiorino

    2 friends just took the Contemporary Cupping Method workshop in Boston from one of the International Cupping Therapy Associates and were both over the top about the training, so I've signed up to take it in Manhattan at the end of August. They use several types of cups including rubber ones called Baguanfa Rubber Cups - these look to be the same type of cups used on the Slip Stream method. I bought the Slip Stream cups and the training DVD sometime back, but I didn't feel comfortable using them on my clients.

    Here is their website - cuppingtherapy.org which is were I found the Baguanfa rubber cups. I also got some of the ones from the cuppingtherapy.org (actually 2 sets because they were so much less expensive) and I actually like them alot better that the set I bought from Slip Stream - the lip is much smoother and they don't smell like the Slip Stream Cups do - very strong chemical odor.
  • Gloria Coppola

    I Love The cupping class I took with Anita Shannon. Actually I just finished doing some Lymph drainage on myself and a mini face lift! :)
  • Michael Krizek 6304

    The cups from Slip Stream and Baguanfa are very stiff and hard to use. Check out ww.massagecupping.com Here you can use a machine that you can dial in specfic suction levels. Ace, Massage Cupping (tm) was the origin for Massage Cupping training. Massage Cupping is not asian cupping at all. Often prospective students think it is Asian, far from it. Check out the before an after pictures of what this method of cupping can do for your practice. Classes for Massage Cupping (tm) level 1 level 2 are all over the USA and Europe . I hope this helps.
  • M. Patricia Reynolds

    I took the Massage Cupping (tm) class last weekend with Diane Williamson and really loved it also. There was much information to learn. Well worth the time and effort.
  • William F. Burton, Jr.

    Hey there Mike. I agree. I have a set of the "Blue" cups. Very stiff.
  • Maria Fiorino

    I actually find the Baguanfa Rubber cups, (different from the Slipstream cups) to be far easier to use than most of the other Cupping sets. They are soft enough (not stiff at all) to use directly on prominences and flexible so they don't pop of on moving areas or tough to cup areas like the feet! Excellent for Plantar Fascia Release - my clients love them... They even work in pools and hot tubs, you can do that with any rigid Cupping sets. Also the site cuppingtherapy.org sells them for far less than Slipstream.

    Our spa bought one of the suction machines from massagecupping.com and we don't use it anymore because it is noisy, you have to constantly stop to make adjustments on the machine to increase and decrease suction. I found it frustrating that I spent more time fiddling with the machine. The cups are also not very sturdy - several cracked on us.

    I am curious on the comment made by Michael about Ace being the origin of massage cupping training... but there is a long history of massage cupping all over Europe, Russia and Asia - even in Canada and the US. As well - when you put (tm) are you referring to a trade mark, as in from the US Patent and Trade Mark Office?
  • Michael Krizek 6304

    Hi Maria!

    As a follow-up the Baguanfa Rubber Cups and the Slip Stream cups if you did not know they are all from the same manufacturer. I found them tough to clean and hard to use. I found the Massage Cupping machine from ACE Massage Cupping easy as all I had to do is dial in a specfic suction and I could then focus on the client with out playing with manual cups. Plus my hands do not get tired.

    As you know "Cupping" or better said 'Asian Cupping: is Anicient, and goes back as far 3000 plus years.

    Massage Cupping(tm) body work was founded and developed by Anita Shannon. She developed all the techniques of moving the cups about the body which inturn created many healing results. As you know the Asian cupping practices were to place vacuum cups on the body and they stayed stationary. The technique of Massage Cupping( tm) is specfic movements over the body which was found to be very effective on removal of scar tissue, stagnet lymph, cellulite reduction, and a whole host of wonderful ways to unblock "solid bloat" Even the founder of Baguanfa took classes from Anita Shannon. So she knew Anita had something special to offer.

    If your vac machine from Massage Cupping (tm) is not working you should contact ACE Massage Cupping ( tm) . They are really nice people to work with and I am sure they would gladly help you to be understand the workings of their machine. As far as the cups go. The plastic cups do develop stress cracks near the fittings but I have had my machine 5 years now and no leaks. I am sure I will have to replace some cups as time goes on. Time and age hits everything. I use my machine every day from a minimum of 6 years. So I run the heck out of it and it keeps on ticking.

    Ace Massage Cupping (tm) now has several machines > They also have a medical grade vacu machine which I love. Many major health care facilites now carry their machine and obtain their training from ACE Massage Cupping (tm).

    Thanks for sharing, talk to you soon. Mike. P.S. try your Massage Cupping machine on Plantar Fasia, WOWOWOWOWOWO... you can release the plantar surface so much fast . Why. Stronger suction than any rubber cups I have tryed. Clients love it.

    As far as patents go I know she has several and many trade marks that have been approved. I also checked with the NCTMB and Anita Shannons course material "Massage Cupping Bodywork " was the first one registered and taught by her for many years,. I think what you are seeing now is allot of people teaching cupping. But not Massage Cupping (tm) which again is not Asian cupping as so many try to compare it to.
  • Maria Fiorino

    I just don't agree with your assessment of the Baguanfa Rubber Cups, they are definitely not the same as the Slipstream cups - I have both and anyone that does will support that. As well I find the machine to be problematic on many levels and not easy to move around. Respectfully, I think you might be biased as you are business partners with and married to Anita Shannon.

    I'm sticking with the Rubber Cups, Belletazze Facial Cups and Bells from EarthSpa - (I just saw they've started selling hand-blown fire cups too - omg.) I like the quality and prices of their various Cupping equipment I found at www.cuppingtherapy.org.

    Regarding the TM and ownership of Massage Cupping, I don't think this is the proper blog for this discussion - treatments, advice and equipment seem more appropriate here... I will start a separate discussion on those issues called Massage Cupping ownership.
  • Sheila Cooksey

    I was wondering if anyone has ever heard or or used the Acuzone Premium Cupping set with the magnets?
  • Daniel Cohen

    Having been trained at a TCM hospital that teaches moving cups, I doubt any recent invention of the idea but perhaps methods vary. It is my understanding that it has been used as a meridian therapy along the ideas of guasha for centuries.
  • Daniel Cohen

    I use to use blown glass cups with a flame. I never liked the plastic ones with the pump. Recently I bought two sets of rubber cups and have really liked the ease of use.
  • Kelly Grounds

    I have a set of cups from China, similar to the Acuzone with the magnets. I love them. They are easy to handle and I love having the polarity of the magnets. I also like the slipstream cups when I am working on a client and discover he/she needs some cupping work.
  • Jesse MacLean

    Ilkay Chirali will be doing 2 Day Advanced Cupping Seminars in the United States this April in New York; Charlotte, NC; Kansas City, Las Vegas, Portland, OR and Seattle. See CuppingTherapy.org for his schedule.
  • Michael Kapsos

    I just started using the Baguanfa Rubber Cups. They are really great, except they do have a strong smell. It really is amazing how fast the fascia releases. I can't wait to take a class and start cupping on clients. Can anyone recommend a DVD I can study until then? Is the Anita Shannon DVD good?

  • Jesse MacLean

    After the Baguanfa Rubber Cups are washed a couple of times they will lose most of the rubber odor. The Baguanfa Silicone Cups (Aqua colored) have no odor at all if that is an issue.
  • Lisa

    I am taking a 3 day Contemporary Cupping workshop in May and can't wait!!
  • Michael Kapsos

    Thanks Laura - that is a great idea! My wife is a MT, so we can do this together. It will be a great way to get started until I'm able to take a class. I didn't want to spend $80 if the DVD wasn't good enough.
  • Kim Savoie

    Looking for M.T.'s to partake in a test pilot home study course.

    Pediatric Massage for Children with Special Needs

    NCBTMB approved provider

    Special promotional fee: $200

    Price includes: 20 CE's, book, test, s&h, and evaluation form.

     

    For more information about the course visit Touch-For-Life.Com

    Thank you for your help.

    Kim Savoie

    Touch For Life Massage & Wellness Studies

    Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

    843-422-5517

  • Robin Wiggs

    Hi Kim...i'm very interested in this study.  In Florida I had a pediatric client with very special needs for several years.  I am not in Colorado and would love to expand my business here to include special needs children.  I'll check out your website.

    keep joyful thoughts,

    Robin

  • Kim Savoie

    Thanks Robin. There are more and more kids with special needs these days. Esp. ADD, Autism and ADHD.

    Thanks for wanting to help them.

  • Onalda Martinez L.M.T., CCT

    Hey folks, I just completed the Contemporary Cupping Methods Course by the ICTA's Jesse Maclean.  OMG!!! It was awesome.  I have to say the information, the way it was presented and the knowledge she shared with us was astounding.

    I recommend it to anyone who is interested in taking this 3 day course.

    If anyone else out there has some tips on "introductions" to clients and others, please let me know.

  • Tracy Armstrong

    Hello everyone! I am on day 3 of ICTA's CCM course in Asheville, NC with Mark Perido. It has been a fantastic learning experience and I am even more convinced that cupping is a great modality. I have been using cups for about 10 months as a self-taught research driven amateur and getting great results. 

    It is unfortunate that my liability insurance will not cover fire cupping, but the class is full of information and a great book for future reference. I plan to take the advanced course in September in ATL as well. I am so grateful for all the effort ICTA has put forth to make their cupping course the best one out there. 3 days of information packed learning and focus on a variety of applications(not just spa applications.) Best CE course I've taken(and I have more than 300 ce hours.)

  • Lisa Hubbard

    Hi Oregon Bodyworkers

     Contemporary Cupping Methods - Massage Cupping - 24 CE

     Space in limited - Register Now!!

     Portland Oregon sept 24-26...... 4 spaces left

    next class.....Eugene, OR.  - November 3-5 2011  

     register now!! ....www.cuppingtherapy.org

     

     

  • Jesse MacLean

    The International Cupping Therapy Association's 2012 Schedule is now available at www.cuppingtherapy.org.  Or, jump directly to the 2012 schedule here.

    You will find the Contemporary Cupping Methods scheduled all over the US and several dates in Canada. 

    We are offering several Advanced Cupping Techniques classes in 2012 which will be 2 days of 90% hands-on - 15 different treatments for Orthopedic, Sports and Stubborn Conditions.

    CUP ON!

  • Wendy Gosse

    Recently I attended The International Cupping Therapy Association's Contemporary Cupping Methods class, which has given my massage career an exciting new direction! The instructor, Jesse MacLean, went over and above my expectations with a wealth of information delivered in a friendly, sometimes humorous style which was easy to understand.  The follow up support I have been receiving as I begin my new cupping practice is admirable, which I appreciate.

    This class has not only been a turning point for my career, but it has also changed my life and the way I view the body and my health. I was clueless as to how many poisons/chemicals I had been consuming on a daily basis, which made me sluggish, crabby, and bloated. To feel better, I would consume even more toxic products that are readily available all around us. After 3 days of this cupping class, I looked and felt younger, more alert and energetic, and it felt as if a fog cleared in my head!  Seriously, this has been a dramatic lifestyle change for me, and my clients benefit. 

    I would highly recommend this class to everyone!  It is more than just "a class", and it is well worth the price.  The website is www.cuppingtherapy.org.

    Check it out!  :)

  • Maria Fejes Gazda

    Comment by Maria Fejes Gazda on Nov 2, 2011 at 1:58

    I just completed the Contemporary Cupping Course with Instructor Jesse MacLean in Mississauga, Ontario. I haven't been this astounded since I was in Hawaii for my first LomiLomi training!!

    I want to thank Jesse again for opening a whole New Universe for me to Exlore and Fly with for the rest of my life.

    The quality, scope and calibre of the Course was Rich, Extensive and Vibrant with Volumes of material, practical hands-on practice, personalized attention and OH I must say liberally peppered with Fun and Laughter!

    There were a few tense moments for me personally but I appreciate them because they led to Breakthroughs which will enhance my capacity for this most excellent new (ancient) Work.

    Wild horses could not keep me away from the Adventure of the Advanced Cupping Course in May 2012.   Aloha, Mahalo..CUP ON  Maria

  • Lisa Hubbard

    Next Oregon Contemporary Cupping Workshop MARCH 17-19th in EUGENE!! Sign up soon..... space limited to 16 students!!!! www.cuppingtherapy.org
  • Amy - LMT & Licensed Esthetician

    I just finished the ICTA Contemporary Cupping Class in Ft Lauderdale FL with Mark Perido.  Great class!  I definitely liked the style of teaching with lecture in the morning and hands on in the afternoon.  I look forward to working on my clients with this new technique.  

  • Lisa Hubbard

    Next Oregon Contemporary Cupping Workshop May 26th-28th in PORTLAND!!!
    Sign up soon..... space limited to 16 students!!!!  24 CE www.cuppingtherapy.org
    Be the first to get your hands on the NEW clearly Baguanfa cups and Bell Tools sets!!!
  • Bianca Berrios

    Does anyone encounter issues with some clients in regarding to the sha that arises in cupping sessions? Many of my clients have the wonderful attitude that if it makes them feel better then 'cup on' they could care less about the aestethics; but I do have a couple that have purposely seeked cupping for chronic conditions and will complain of the markings that come up...how do you handle this in your practice?