Cupping Therapy
Suction cups applied to tight areas to lift the tissue rather than press into it — often used alongside massage for stubborn knots and restricted movement.
About Service
Cupping is a hands-off way of working tissue that most massage does by pressing in. Cups create gentle suction on the skin and lift the tissue underneath instead. People tend to ask for it on areas that have not responded to pressure alone: upper backs, shoulders, IT bands, calves.
What Cupping Involves
Silicone or plastic cups are placed on the skin and suction is created either by hand pump or by squeezing the cup. They may be left in place for a few minutes at a time, or moved slowly across the area with oil, which is called gliding cupping. Cupping is used for part of a session alongside hands-on massage rather than for the full hour.
About the Marks
Cupping often leaves round marks where the cups sat. They are not bruises in the usual sense, since nothing was struck, and they are generally not tender. Color varies from light pink to deep purple and typically fades within three to seven days. If you have an event coming up where you would rather not have visible marks, tell Jaylene before the session and the placement can be adjusted.
What People Use It For
Common uses include stubborn upper back and shoulder tightness, restricted movement in an area that keeps returning to the same state, tight IT bands and calves in runners, and general tension in areas that are uncomfortable under direct pressure.
Alongside Massage and Chiropractic Care
Cupping is part of a massage session rather than a service of its own. Cups can be working one area while hands-on work continues elsewhere, which makes good use of the hour. For patients under chiropractic care, it is another way to address the soft tissue around a joint that keeps getting restricted.
Who Provides Cupping
Cupping at Heaps of Relief is provided by Jaylene, a licensed massage therapist trained in deep tissue, therapeutic, and relaxation massage, cupping, CBD massage, and Rapid Tension Release, with continuing education in prenatal massage, kinesiology, and orthopedic pediatric massage.
Booking and What a Session Involves
There is one massage appointment to book: a 60-minute session with Jaylene. Cupping is one of the techniques available within it, so ask for it at the start of the hour rather than looking for a separate booking option. Jaylene will look at the area, explain where the cups will go and roughly how long they will stay, and check in on the suction level once they are on. It should feel like a firm pull, not a pinch. Suction is adjustable at any point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cupping hurt?
It should feel like a strong pulling sensation rather than pain. Suction can be reduced at any time if it is too much.
How long do the marks last?
Usually three to seven days. They fade on their own and do not need any treatment.
How do I book a cupping session?
You book the 60-minute massage session and ask for cupping when you arrive. It is done as part of that hour rather than as its own appointment.
Is there anyone who should not have cupping?
Yes. It is avoided over broken or irritated skin and recent injuries, and it may not be appropriate with certain medical conditions or if you are taking blood thinners. Mention your health history when you book so it can be checked first.
Can I work out after a cupping session?
Light activity is fine. It is worth going easy on the area that was worked for the rest of the day.
Suction-based technique that lifts tissue instead of compressing it
Stationary or gliding cups, depending on the area
Done within your 60-minute massage session, not booked separately
Circular marks are normal and typically fade within a week
Provided by licensed massage therapist Jaylene
