In-Home Cupping Massage in Montreal | Massaya
You've seen those purple circles on the backs of Olympic athletes and celebrities and wondered what they were. Cupping, or cupping therapy, is one of the oldest and most effective techniques for releasing deep muscle tension, improving circulation and speeding recovery. And contrary to what these brands may lead you to believe, it doesn't hurt. Our certified therapists come to your home in Montreal and throughout Greater Montreal.
What is cupping?
Cupping therapy is an age-old technique used in traditional Chinese, Arabic and Egyptian medicine for more than 3,000 years. It consists of placing cups – made of silicone, glass or plastic – on the skin and creating suction which pulls the tissues upwards, rather than compressing them downwards as in a classic massage. This negative pressure loosens the fascia, breaks tissue adhesions and powerfully stimulates local circulation.
There are two main types of cupping: static cupping (the cups stay in place for 5 to 15 minutes) and dynamic cupping (the cups slide over the oiled skin in continuous movements, like a reverse massage). At Massaya, our therapists mainly use dynamic cupping, which is less aggressive and more comfortable for the majority of clients.
Marks — should you be concerned?
The red or purple circles left by cupping are not bruises in the medical sense — they are not ruptured vessels caused by trauma. These are petechiae — small capillary dilations caused by suction, which indicate the intensity of circulatory stagnation in the treated area. The more stagnant the area was, the darker the mark. These marks disappear completely in 3 to 10 days depending on your skin type and the intensity of the treatment. They are painless.
The scientifically documented benefits of cupping
- Deep Myofascial Release — Negative pressure loosens deeply stuck fascia in a way that no compression technique can replicate. Ideal for chronic adhesions and internal scars.
- Drastic improvement in circulation — Suction dilates local blood and lymphatic vessels, dramatically increasing oxygen delivery and elimination of metabolic wastes.
- Reduction of chronic pain — Clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of cupping in reducing chronic lower back pain, neck pain and pain related to fibromyalgia.
- Acceleration of sports recovery — This is why cupping has become essential among high-level athletes — it accelerates the elimination of lactic acid and reduces aches.
- Cellulite reduction — Dynamic cupping on the thighs and buttocks is one of the most effective non-invasive approaches against cellulite of circulatory and lymphatic origin.
- Relief of respiratory disorders — Back cupping can relieve bronchial congestion and improve breathing capacity — a technique traditionally used for bronchitis and persistent coughs.
Our therapists specializing in cupping at Massaya
Maxime B, Mireille E, Sadaf S, Babeth K, Meriem C and Beniamen H integrate cupping into their treatment protocols. Maxime B often combines cupping with deep tissue for exceptional results on chronic deep tensions.
Contraindications
Cupping is contraindicated on irritated, burned or damaged skin, in cases of venous thrombosis, significant varicose veins, during pregnancy on the abdominal and lumbar areas, and in people on anticoagulants. Always mention your state of health to your therapist at the start of the session.
We travel throughout Greater Montreal
Montreal (all neighborhoods), Laval, Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Lambert, Boucherville, Terrebonne, Repentigny, Saint-Jérôme, Blainville and everywhere on the North Shore and the South Shore.
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This article provides general wellness information and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Consult a qualified professional for persistent pain, a medical condition, a high-risk pregnancy or any concern before massage.