Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1234356
Watch "Self-Cupping" Learn and earn free CE Watch "Introduction to Massage Cupping and Vacuum Manual Therapy" with Anita Shannon in the ABMP Education Center at www.abmp.com/ce. IT IS NOT A BRUISE! One of the most visible side effects of cupping are the round pink-to-red-to-purplish blemishes left on the body from stationary cups or the pinkish-red patches temporarily etched on the skin from sliding cups. This is not bruising. Bruises occur from impact to the body and are generally painful. The circular colorations on the skin created from cupping are not the result of impact, nor should they be painful. In Western medical terms, marks left by cupping can be referred to as petechiae (puh-TEE-kee-ee), which are the tiny red dots resulting from blood leaking from capillaries under your skin from sliding cups. Blood collecting under the tissue in larger flat areas, when using stationary cups, is referred to as purpura (PUR- pyr-uh). In a very large area, the general term used is ecchymosis (ek-uh-MOH-sis). According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), these circular blemishes are a result of stagnation or sha (pronounced saw) as blood moves from deeper to more superficial areas of the body where it may be more easily recirculated. Sha or stagnation may be viewed through a physical lens—such as poor circulation, lymphatic congestion, digestive sluggishness, edema, excess mucus, areas of ischemia, bound fascia, lack of mobility, etc. Stagnation may also be viewed through an energetic lens: procrastination, rumination, fatigue, depression, etc. An ecchymosis or sha mark generally takes 3–5 days to fade away, a clear distinction from a bruise (which can about two weeks to fade 1 ). And over time and regular use, these marks (and therefore stagnation) will no longer appear. If you dislike the marks, you don't have to have them—you can leave cups on for shorter amounts of time and use less intense suction/negative pressure. TYPES OF CUPS Cups come in a multitude of sizes, materials, and price points. They can be tiny or large; glass, plastic, or silicon; and range in price from hundreds of dollars to under $20. We prefer to use reasonably priced silicon cups that don't require any extra tools to create the suction over those that utilize an assortment of vacuuming hoses and tubes, or the traditional TCM approach of an alcohol-dipped cotton ball lit on fire with a glass cup. The concern with this last approach is that glass can shatter—and the worst case scenarios seem to happen the most with this last approach. These extra props can be an unnecessary added step, especially when there are many cups that only require a gentle squeeze to create optimal negative pressure. Sliding Cups You'll need to apply a lubricant to assist in moving and sliding the cups. We prefer using oil over lotion to help the cups glide more easily. With silicon cups, you can easily adjust the amount of suction by how much you squeeze the cups before applying them to the skin. Always choose a level of myofascial decompression that provides a visible vacuum that raises the skin without causing pain or pinching. As you move the cups over areas of resistance, you may notice the movement becomes more difficult and the sensation may become more edgy. This is often indicative of an area of bound fascia or stagnation. Consider slowing down, pausing, or releasing the cup and reapply using a gentler level of suction. With repeated passes and over time, you may notice that you can increase the suction intensity without creating the same edgy sensation in future self-care sessions. This adaptation is a clear sign of healthy progression and improved circulation. Consider focusing on areas where you may want a little extra TLC, like your forearms, IT band, hips, low back, or chest. The direction you move the cups is up to you. If you're going for lymphatic drainage, move in the direction of the nearest watershed areas, or lymph nodes. If you want to release tension you can move parallel to the N e w ! A B M P P o c k e t P a t h o l o g y a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / a b m p - p o c k e t - p a t h o l o g y - a p p . 19