As massage add-on services at North County Family Chiropractic, scraping and cupping have myriad health benefits. Here’s a look at these two services and how they may boost the effects of your next massage.
Scraping
Scraping is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique that involves scraping the skin with a small hard tool. This action can help break up scar tissue, increase blood flow to the muscles and joints, and smooth out knotted muscle. Scraping also helps improve circulation and addresses underlying adhesions in the muscle, which sometimes can be harder to break up with just a regular massage.
Scraping is ideal to address longer-lasting knots, tendons or joints that might not be moving over time due to previous injury.
Cupping
This therapy uses small warm suction cups placed on the skin during the massage. By warming the air within the cup, a vacuum is created, and when it is applied to the skin, the tissue is drawn up into the cup. This action increases the blood flow, loosens the fascia or connective tissue, and stimulates healing.
Cupping also helps reduce pain and inflammation, and promotes relaxation. This technique is a little more passive than scraping. Cupping is beneficial for chronic issues or areas that need extra attention.
Temporary bruising is sometimes noted after cupping.
How Often Should I Get These Services?
It depends on what you’re coming in for; some patients come in weekly and others a few times a month. You can get scraping or cupping in combination with massage, as well as chiropractic adjustments.
If you’d like to experience the benefits of scraping or cupping, contact us today to request an appointment!
CONTACT US »