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  • Writer's pictureAriela Liberman

Massage Techniques: Benefits of Gliding Cupping Therapy

Updated: Jan 4

Do you deal with stiff muscles, inflammation, or chronic pain? Cupping is an effective and natural method to help you find relief and speed up the healing process.

Cupping therapy is an instrument-assisted manual technique utilized by a variety of practitioners, including massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and more, to relieve pain and facilitate healing.


gliding cupping in massage therapy

What is Gliding Cupping?

Gliding cupping is a type of cupping therapy that involves the use of silicone cups that glide smoothly over the skin. The cups are placed on the skin and then moved around in a specific pattern, creating a massage-like sensation. This technique is often used in conjunction with other massage modalities to enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment.


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Gliding Cupping vs. Traditional Cupping

While both gliding and traditional cupping involve the use of cups, they differ in their application and purpose. Traditional cupping involves placing suction cups on the skin to create a vacuum, which pulls the skin and underlying tissue into the cup. The cups are left in place for a few minutes, and when removed, they leave circular marks on the skin that can last for several days. Gliding cupping massage, on the other hand, involves the movement of cups over the skin in a specific pattern to create a massage-like sensation. The cups are not left in one place and therefore are far less likely to create the circular marks associated with traditional cupping.

Benefits of Gliding Cupping Massage

Gliding cupping massage has numerous health benefits, including:

  • Increased circulation: The movement of the cups over the skin increases blood flow to the treated area, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

  • Pain relief: Gliding cupping can help to relieve tension in the muscles and alleviate pain caused by conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis.

  • Improved range of motion: Gliding cupping therapy can help improve range of motion in the joints and muscles, making it an ideal treatment for athletes and people with mobility issues.

  • Reduced stress and anxiety: The massage-like sensation of gliding cupping can help promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.


What Conditions Does Gliding Cupping Treat?

Gliding cupping therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

  1. Muscular pain and tension

  2. Fibromyalgia

  3. Arthritis

  4. Sciatica

  5. Migraines and headaches

  6. Anxiety and stress

  7. Digestive issues


Is Gliding Cupping Painful?

Gliding cupping massage is a non-invasive and gentle treatment that is generally pain-free. Some people may experience slight discomfort during the treatment, but this is usually mild and only lasts for a short time. The pressure of the cups can be adjusted to ensure maximum comfort for the client.

Add Cupping to Your Massage!

If you're looking to enhance your massage experience and reap the many benefits of gliding cupping therapy, consider adding it to your next massage session. Request an appointment and select the "IASTM / Cupping" add-on!



 

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Ariela Liberman is a Marketing Associate and a staff writer for Resolve Wellness, with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies. Born and raised in San Diego, she is a Southern California native with a passion for writing, digital marketing, health, and wellness.


Reviewed by: Erynne Hill, MS, ATC, HHP, BFRC, a Nationally Certified Athletic Trainer and Massage Therapist who has been a part of the healthcare field since 2002. She is the Director of Resolve Wellness, specializing in manual lymphatic drainage and prenatal massage. Erynne has extensive knowledge of both massage and physiology, even receiving her Master's degree in Exercise Physiology from San Diego State University.

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