CUPPING: 8-Hour Myofascial Decompression Course

Cupping Therapy has become wildly popular in recent years, because of the media coverage of top athletes like Olympian Michael Phelps and NBA all-star Stephen Curry, who use it to stay at the top of their game. Other celebrities showing up on the red carpet with cupping marks like Gwyneth Paltrow, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Anniston and Victoria Beckham, have sparked a strong interest and demand for cupping therapy in the massage industry.

For the busy massage therapist, cupping therapy offers a way to be twice as effective with half the effort; a welcome break from standard, massage-only techniques.

Originally a part of TCM, (traditional Chinese medicine) Cupping is said to increase blood circulation, relieve pain, remove toxins from the body and activate the immune system. Used during a massage, cupping is a non-invasive method to effectively release myofascial tension and adhesions by decompressing the layers of muscle tissue - thereby enhancing the health and function of tissue cells, muscle fibers, blood circulation and joint mobility.

In this course, you will learn about the history and benefits of cupping and the many types of professional massage cups that are available. You will learn effective treatment protocols for a wide variety of conditions and issues you encounter in your everyday massage practice. You will also come away with an understanding of when best to use cupping therapy and more importantly, when it’s contraindicated in order to ensure safe practice.

As added extras, you will learn about ‘facial cupping’ which integrates seamlessly into Body Wisdom’s “Dreamy Face” Course sequence and cupping self-care strategies; so important in today’s busy massage world.

Cupping therapy is highly sought after by clients. Adding this modality to your toolbox, will enhance your massage outcomes and greatly benefit your clients and the success of your practice.

Marketing & advertising tips and tricks, are also included with your course to help you succeed with your new cupping modality.

NOT included with this course is your personal Cupping Set. You will receive a set for use in class. However, due to the many Cupping styles, sizes, and sets available on the market, we would rather provide you with the information on how to select your own perfect set and vendors that sell it. The school may also have some sets available for sale.

Note: This course is designed for the advanced learner or professional massage therapists.

Prerequisites: by Permission (professional level massage skills and knowledge of human physiology are required)

Course Objectives: At the completion of the course, students will know and be able to:

• Cite the history and benefits of Cupping: Myofascial Decompression

• List indications and contra-indications as well as necessary safety measures

• Perform stand-alone cupping sessions or cupping integrated with other techniques

• Utilize Cupping for self-care.

• Properly clean, maintain and store massage cups and supplies

Required Texts / Course Materials:

• Proprietary Course Manual

• Cupping Set (provided for use in class only! – purchase resources are provided, some sets may be available for sale at the school)

• Full Sheet Set (fitted/flat sheets, pillow case/face rest cover)

• Blanket

• 2 hand towels

• 4 hygienic cleaning rags & cleaning solution spray to sanitize cups between use

• Lubricant: Oil (no cream or lotion)

• 4 cleaning rags for class equipment sanitation

• Water Bottle (to stay well hydrated)

• 3-Ring Binder for Manual & Hand-out’s

• Note Taking Materials

Evaluation Methods:

An observation rubric will be filled out by the instructor throughout the course and completed during the final massage in class 2.

Performance Standards:

This course is pass/fail – students must earn an average score of 70% or higher to pass the course

Observation Rubric 100%

Attendance Policy: Students must attend no less than 80% of the course.

Make-up Policy: For 900-Hour Program Students, missed class time will be made up in additional clinic time.

Schedule of Classes & Content Addressed – Each Class is 4 Hours in Length: