Have you ever wondered what Chinese cupping and Gua Sha are good for?

Chinese cupping: This is a method of using cups to stimulate a healing or toning response in the body. It is excellent for the following things:

• muscle recovery after intense activity
• improving healing time and response after injuries
• stimulating respiratory function and stimulating a clearing out of mucous in passageways
• increased micro-circulation deeper in tissues
• pre-treatment to stimulate immunosystem in preparation for season changes

The pressure of the cups can range from intense and leaving marks to very delicate and leaving no marks depending on what is needed and where they are placed. They can also be used in a dynamic fashion instead of static placement as part of a massage technique.

Gua Sha: is the technique of using hard edge tools to "scrape" the body and stimulate a circulatory, myofascial or deeper tissue response in the body. The intensity of the "scraping" depends on the tool, the location of the gua sha treatment and the purpose of using the technique. 

It is best used for:

• fascial restrictions
• tension relief in muscles
• working through resistant muscles without having to use thumbs and elbows
• evaluation of problematic areas that would otherwise be hidden from surface manual palpation

Both of these techniques are available as stand alone services but are often used during massage with other techniques instead. If you would like to schedule a stand alone cupping session, please inquire in advance.