Cupping Therapy
in Coleraine
Suction instead of pressure. Useful when an area has stopped responding to hands alone.
Book CuppingIf you've an area that loosens off after a massage and then tightens straight back up within a few days, cupping is worth a go. Everything else I do presses down into the tissue. A cup lifts it instead, which is a completely different thing to ask of an area that has stopped responding.
How it works
A cup is placed on the skin and the air drawn out, creating gentle suction that lifts the skin and the tissue just underneath it. That lift takes the pressure off tissue that's been compressed, and brings blood into the area.
Cups are either left in place over a specific spot or moved slowly across the area with oil, which feels a bit like a massage in reverse. Neither is painful. It's a strong pull rather than a press. Most people like it more than they expect to.
About the marks
You may leave with round marks where the cups sat. They are bruising, but not the kind you get from a knock: nothing has hit you, the suction simply draws a little blood out of the small vessels near the surface. They are usually not sore, they don't swell, and they fade over three to ten days depending on the person and the area.
If you've got a wedding, a holiday or a photo on the horizon, tell me and I'll either use lighter suction or leave cupping out of that session.
When I'd use it
- A spot between the shoulder blades that loosens off after a massage and is back by the weekend
- Upper backs and shoulders, where there's enough flat ground for the cups to work across
- If you want the tissue to shift but can't be doing with deep pressure
- Alongside a deep tissue session, on the one area that isn't budging
My first qualification was a BSc (Hons) in Acupuncture, so I've been using cups for as long as I've been working. These days it sits alongside the sports and remedial work rather than replacing any of it.
Sessions
Cupping works well as part of a longer session. If you'd like it alongside deep tissue or sports massage, book that and mention cupping when you do, and I'll plan the time for both.
Common Questions
No. It's a strong pulling or tightening sensation rather than pressure, and most people find it more comfortable than deep tissue work. If a cup is ever too strong, say so and I'll release it immediately.
Possibly, and it varies a lot between people and areas. The marks usually fade within three to ten days. They are not sore and there is nothing you need to do about them. If you've got something coming up where you'd rather not have them, tell me and I'll use lighter suction or skip it.
Yes, and that's how it's most often used here. Book a deep tissue or sports session, mention cupping when you book, and I'll build the time in rather than rushing it at the end.
A few. If you're on blood thinners, have a skin condition over the area, are pregnant, or have a heart or circulatory condition, have a word with your doctor first. Not a no, just worth checking first. I'll also avoid varicose veins and any broken skin.
Keep the area covered and warm for the rest of the day, and leave saunas, very hot baths and hard training until tomorrow. Otherwise carry on as normal.
My first degree was a BSc (Hons) in Acupuncture, so cupping was part of my training from the very start. Fifteen years on I still use it most weeks, though not with everybody — plenty of people get what they need from the massage on its own.
Book Online
Visit the Clinic
Address:
INFUSE Bodyworks
21 Bridge Street
Coleraine, BT52 1DR
Northern Ireland
Hours:
By Appointment Only
Can't find a time that suits? Message me directly and let's make it work.
Service area:
I see clients from across the Causeway Coast, including Coleraine, Portrush, Portstewart, Ballymoney, and the surrounding villages.
Contact:
T: 0744 688 1920
E: infuse.bodyworks@gmail.com
