Chinese cups are a special kind of vacuum cup made of rubber, which allows them to be placed on just about any area of the body, regardless of the surface shape. The masseur individually sets the level of suction in consultation with the client; as a result, the treatment is totally pain-free and adapted to the individual’s pain threshold.

The way the massage is carried out depends on the size of the cups – the larger ones are placed on the joint and more muscled areas, while the smaller ones are placed in more sensitive areas. The back is generally the most common place to put them, but if the massage is for cosmetic purposes (for example, anti-cellulite), the cups can be placed on the buttocks, thighs and arms. With warm hands, the masseur gently rubs oil into the body in order for the cups to be repositioned easily without causing any pain. Next, the cups are held by suction to the skin to massage the body, and are gently moved around in movements which copy the rolling action of a deep tissue massage.

As a preventive treatment, a Chinese cupping massage should be carried out at least once a week. Regular visits can help maintain you in good health for years, as the massages will increase your immunity levels, improve the blood and lymph circulation and treat a wide range of conditions such as joint problems, muscle pain and even inflammatory conditions and infections. Chinese cupping massages are ideal for removing all kinds of energy blockages, and can bring relief and soothing to all kinds of conditions by energising and heating the appropriate parts of the body. When the cup is placed in a specific part of the body, energy levels are rebalanced in the affected areas – most commonly tense muscles or aching joints. The massage brings a total feeling of calm and complete relaxation, and is perfect for those suffering from stress, overwork, who have a sedentary lifestyle or who have just done some intensive, tiring exercise.

Chinese cupping massages also have cosmetic applications, as anti-cellulite or lymphatic drainage treatments. A Chinese cupping massage stimulates the circulation, helps the body rid itself of waste metabolic products and aids in the detox process. Since the metabolic rate is raised, levels of fat correspondingly drop.