Cupping therapy in Sofia uses cups that are placed on the skin to create a vacuum. The vacuum lifts the skin and the soft tissue beneath it, rather than pressing on it as in an ordinary massage. This loosens tight muscles and increases blood flow in the area. Cupping massage suits a stiff back and neck, and works well as an addition to massage and kinesitherapy (exercise and manual therapy).
What to expect
Kaloyan places the cups without oil, most often on the back, shoulders or thighs. They either stay in one place for a few minutes, or Kaloyan glides them over the skin as part of a massage. Gliding is also used for anti-cellulite massage. The strength of the vacuum is adjustable. The first session is short, and Kaloyan gradually increases the time in later ones.
You feel the skin lifting and stretching, sometimes with a little warmth. It shouldn’t hurt. If the pull is unpleasant, say so and Kaloyan will reduce the vacuum.
After the session, round red or purple marks are left where the cups were. They aren’t bruises from a knock. They show that blood has come to the skin. They don’t hurt and usually fade within a few days to a week. If you have an important event coming up, such as a beach holiday or a wedding, bear this in mind.
What it helps with
- A stiff neck and tight shoulders
- Back and lower back pain from tense muscles
- Tight thighs and calves in people who exercise
- Muscle tension that keeps coming back despite massage
Who it’s for
- The muscles in your back are often tight and massage only helps for a short time.
- You exercise and want to speed up recovery between workouts.
- You want to combine massage or kinesitherapy with another way of working on the muscles.
When it isn’t suitable
- If you take blood thinners or bruise easily.
- If you have thin, sensitive skin, a wound, eczema or another skin condition in the area.
- If you have varicose veins or thrombosis in the area.
- If you are pregnant and the area is the abdomen or lower back.
- If you have a fever or feel unwell.
