Cupping head massage

The cupping head massage is a therapeutic procedure which is based on the alternative medical cupping. Cupping belongs to the deductive procedures of naturopathy and is produced by a negative pressure. The cupping head massage is used, among other things, for the treatment of functionally caused disorders of internal organs, for local tissue findings or for "loosening adhesions" of the subcutaneous tissue.

A reflective effect on the internal organs is postulated.
Materials: cupping heads with rubber ball or pump (technically easier and no risk of injury).

A cupping head massage is used to treat hardened muscles and spinal disorders, especially in cases of circulatory disorders. Furthermore, the therapy method is used for arthritic joint diseases, headaches and migraines.

Materials required: Massage oil, grain nippers, cotton wool, alcohol or cupping heads with valve and vacuum gun.
The patient is brought into a relaxed lying position (abdomen facing down) or seated on a chair with the abdomen facing the back.
The hand-warmed massage oil is applied first, followed by the air-evacuated cupping head next to the spine in the thoracic region (with light to medium pressure). This is followed by an even pulling of the cupping head towards the coccyx and back towards the shoulders. The cupping glass is led to the outside of the body, the second hand follows the cupping glass accompanying.

Duration: A cupping head massage is applied until the skin turns red (about 5 minutes). This is followed by a rest period of 20 to 30 minutes.

There is a risk of injury for the direct kidney area. It should also be avoided to use cupping on or above the spine or other bones.

1. Benke R et al (2012) In: André-Michael Beer, Martin Adler [Ed.] Leitfaden Naturheilverfahren für die ärztliche Praxis, Urban und Fischer Verlag p. 90