I can still clearly recall the first time I noticed someone’s back with two rows of evenly spaced dark brown circles. Years ago, I remember it happening in a yoga session, and I thought it was alarming. It made me think of the game “sting pong,” which we used to play as kids, and in which a lost point results in a welt the size of a ping pong ball on the back or chest. (I do not advise it!) However, it didn’t take long for health internet culture to educate me that a Ventosa massage treatment, sometimes known as cupping, was what had caused those welts.
The Wellness Trend That’s Making Waves in 2023 is Ventosa Massage
Ventosa massage, an ancient Chinese technique that uses a completely different method but achieves results similar to massage, has been firmly established in our Western wellness lexicon for a number of years now, but it’s still reasonable to have many questions about dramatic-looking body therapy. (To increase blood flow, cupping rips apart the layers of muscle and fascia rather than pressing down on them.)
We consulted Kurt Laukoter, a Texas acupuncturist with a master’s degree in Chinese medicine, for some expert advice on cupping (and what those dark circles actually mean). Kurt works as an esthetician and massage therapist at the Hiatus Spa in Austin, which is a favorite of the Camille Styles staff. Kurt explained the what, the why, and everything else you need to know about cupping before incorporating it into your fitness regimen.
How Did Ventosa Massage Or Cupping Spread Throughout Western Culture?
When the 2016 Olympics were broadcast and professional athletes like Michael Phelps had cupping marks on their bodies, cupping or Ventosa massage gained popularity in Western culture. It seems like that incident started a trend in Western culture, and soon after, both the general population and other celebrities started using cupping.
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Which type of cupping technique does Hiatus employ?
The Suit of Cups massage, a 60-minute service that combines cupping with massage, is one of the treatments available at Hiatus as an add-on to a massage service.
I employ three different types of cupping as the acupuncturist at Hiatus, including fire with glass, silicone with a pump, and silicone hand squeeze cups. I only employ the strongest form of cupping—fire with glass—on clients who particularly request it or if they have previous experience with cupping treatments because it has the strongest suction. Cupping can be done either stationary or by sliding the cups. I usually keep stationary cups on for ten to fifteen minutes.
What Advantages Do Ventosa Massages Offer?
The benefits of ventosa massage or cupping therapy include increased lymphatic and blood circulation, deep relaxation promotion, decreased swelling and congestion, and the benefits of deep tissue similar to a massage for easing pain, tightness, and soreness within the body.
What Do The Various Circles After Cupping Mean?
Post-cupping, the various rings can range in hue from dark purple to red to a shade lighter than skin. According to Chinese medicine, dark purple marks left behind during cupping are a sign of blood stasis in the body. Blood stasis, which in Chinese medicine refers to a condition where the blood is stagnant and not receiving adequate circulation, can cause severe stabbing pains throughout the body. A lighter marking indicates less blood stasis, which may mean less cupping is necessary there.
Prior to cupping, I massage a spot for five to ten minutes since I’ve found that doing so helps the client have fewer black stains. The dark markings left by cupping may resemble bruises, but they are actually signs of blood stasis that is rising to the surface to be released for pain relief. Cupping is a safe procedure. Similar to a massage or acupuncture, clients report feeling lighter and more at ease following cupping. The markings left behind by cupping are not unpleasant and normally go away within a week.
What Can You Do (Or Should You Avoid) After a Ventosa Massage?
After receiving a Ventosa massage or cupping therapy, I advise staying away from extreme heat or cold and strenuous exercise. Additionally, I advise against getting deep tissue massages until the darker markings have lightened.
