Massage cupping merges massage technique with gentle suction therapy to relax muscles, increase circulation, and help clear stagnation and toxins from the body.
Gina Wyneken is a licensed acupuncturist who also trained as a massage therapist at the Cortiva Institute, Brenneke School of Massage. In a massage-cupping session, cups are applied to targeted areas, creating a vacuum that gently draws the skin and underlying tissue upward.
What It Feels Like
The strength of the suction can range from very gentle to intense. The therapist customizes pressure and movement — to either stimulate or soothe — based on your body and your needs. The negative-pressure technique engages the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting deep, full-body relaxation.
The Benefits
Many clients report feeling "relaxed, warm and light" for hours, or even days, after a treatment. The suction releases rigid soft tissue and enhances blood and lymphatic flow in ways that compression-based massage simply cannot replicate.
- Relaxes tight muscles and releases fascia
- Increases blood and lymphatic circulation
- Helps clear stagnation and toxins
- Promotes deep parasympathetic relaxation