08/21/2026
✨ LET’S TALK CUPPING! ✨
I get a lot of questions about cupping, and I’ve also had clients tell me they’re curious to try it but a little nervous because they don’t know what to expect. So let’s talk about it!
First, I use cupping a little differently than you may have experienced elsewhere. I incorporate it directly into my massage using a neuromuscular approach rather than simply placing cups on the body and leaving them there.
I use dynamic techniques, such as gliding the cups along the muscle fibers, as well as static cupping (leaving the cups in place) when I come across particularly stubborn or restricted tissue. I may also incorporate the cups into pin-and-stretch techniques, depending on what I’m feeling in your muscles.
👐 Think of cupping as an extra set of hands.
It allows me to work into areas that feel tight or restricted while also giving me the ability to work on other muscles that may be contributing to the discomfort. Sometimes I’ll leave a cup on a particularly tight area while I work on the muscles involved in the referral pattern.
So, what does cupping actually do?
Cupping can help:
• Reduce muscle tension
• Improve mobility of restricted fascia and soft tissue
• Increase local circulation
• Improve range of motion
• Address areas of tissue that feel tight, restricted, or “stuck”
I also like to describe cupping as an “inside-out massage.”
With traditional massage, we’re generally applying pressure down into the muscles. With cupping, the suction creates a gentle pulling sensation that lifts the tissue up. It’s a completely different sensation than traditional massage, which is why people often describe it as feeling a little strange at first.
In fact, when I ask clients how cupping felt the first time they tried it, probably 99% of the time the response is:
“It felt weird… but SO good!” 😂
And yes, depending on the area and how much suction is used, cupping can sometimes feel uncomfortable or a little “pinchy.” But the great thing about the cups is that I’m always in control of the amount of suction. I can adjust the pressure at any time based on how it feels to you.
And if you try it and decide, “Yeah…this just isn’t for me,” that’s completely okay! 😂
You never have to tolerate something just because you’re trying it for the first time. We can adjust it, remove the cups, or skip cupping altogether.
Cupping is simply another tool in my toolbox. I use it when I feel it can benefit your body—not because I think every massage needs it.
Curious about trying it? You can add cupping onto 75-Minute sessions and 90-Minute sessions. No extra charge!!!
If scheduling a 75-minute session, I will only focus in one area. If booking a 90-Minute session, I can focus on more areas with more time.
For more information regarding cupping please check out my policy page to make sure it is safe for you!
https://jillianrosemassagebodywork.com/policies
