Sha Zen Cupping Therapy

Author: Anita Shannon, L.M.T. Photo Courtesy of Anita Shannon Cupping therapy, or vacuum therapy, can be used for a variety of applications, from head to toe. One special focus is the head, neck and face, as these are often areas of pain and dysfunction. Headaches, sinusitis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, lymphatic issues, chronic inflammation, and surgical preparation and recovery are common concerns for many people who come to see massage therapists. Massage to Facilitate Drainage Many traditional and effective massage techniques gently traction the neck and necessitate upward movement to the occipital ridge. Integrating downward movements into massage of the head, neck and face can enable the drainage of cranial lymph and add an enormous benefit to soft tissue [...]

Among all the benefits of cupping therapy and the many ailments it can heal, the most interesting is possibly using cupping therapy to promote weight loss. Excess weight is based on many factors such as a sluggish metabolism, stress, hormone imbalances, excessive intake of unhealthy food with low nutritional value and inadequate exercise. All of which can be caused by stagnate qi, or energy, within the body. Cupping and its Targets Cupping therapy can cause the free movement of the qi in the patient’s body by creating suction on specific points where the qi might stagnate, thus promoting weight loss. The cupping therapist might apply suction using cups of different sizes on 20 to 30 points on the front of [...]

Remember to drink plenty of water following your treatment to help flush the toxins lifted from the muscles!!! Avoid the following for 24 hours after your session: Excessive or heavy exercise Hot Tub Sauna Steam Room Hot Bath/Shower Sunbathing Heavy Meals The most common misunderstanding regarding after effects of cupping, are the marks that sometimes result. The vacuum formed by Cupping draws up the old non-circulating stagnant blood and sticky fluids from the area, bringing them up to the surface and away from the injury so that healthy free circulation can be restored to the affected area, thus making space for oxygen, living cells and nutrients for faster recovery. Where there is dead, static blood, lymph, cellular debris, pathogenic factors, [...]