If you have ever seen someone with round, reddish purple marks after a massage, you may have wondered what they are. Those marks come from cupping therapy, an ancient healing technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and used for thousands of years to ease tension, support recovery, and improve circulation.
At Lili Salon Spa in Edina, MN, cupping is offered as an add on to enhance your massage experience. If you are searching for cupping therapy, our tenured massage therapists are ready to elevate your next massage in Edina MN with this service. It brings together time tested tradition with modern wellness.
We understand the marks may look dramatic, they are actually a completely normal and healthy response from the body. They are not bruises or anything to be concerned about. Let’s dive into what cupping is and how it works.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping uses small glass, silicone, or plastic cups to create gentle suction on the skin. In Chinese Medicine, this suction helps move Qi, your body’s vital energy, and release areas of stagnation. Meaning, this is where stuck energy, blood, or tension reside.
From a modern massage perspective, cupping works like a reverse massage. Instead of compressing muscles, it lifts the tissue. In turn, it creates space and encourages bodily flow.
This can help:
Increase fresh circulation
Loosen tight muscles and fascia
Reduce inflammation
Support lymphatic drainage
Encourage faster recovery
Many guests looking for a spa in Edina or a more customized massage Edina MN experience find this treatment to be both effective and deeply relaxing.
Why Do Marks Appear?
This is the most common question and the biggest misconception.
The circular marks left after cupping are not bruises. Bruises come from trauma or impact. Cupping marks form when stagnant blood, tension, and metabolic buildup are drawn to the surface. It’s a reverse point that allows your your body can process and clear them more efficiently.
Think of it as your body highlighting areas that needed attention. That “attention” grabbing mark typically will fade within 3 to 7 days. The color can also vary from person to person with the tension level. With consistent treatment, these marks become less prominent. It’s all a part of the healing process.
The Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping is used in both traditional and modern bodywork to support a wide range of concerns. At Lili Salon Spa, a trusted spa within the Galleria in Edina MN, has found the benefits indicative for:
Chronic muscle tension
Neck, shoulder, and low back pain
Headaches and stress
Athletic recovery and performance
General fatigue and tightness
It is an ideal option if you are looking for deep relief without deep pressure, making cupping treatments a favorite add on to our massages in Edina, MN.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
When you add cupping to your massage, your therapist will customize the technique based on your needs. You may feel a gentle pulling sensation, but most guests find it soothing and even meditative. The movements of cupping could be stationary or gliding. Stationary movement is for targeted tension. Gliding movement for a flowing, massage like experience. Or, it can be a combination of both for optimal results.
If you have been searching for a massage that enhances results without adding intensity, cupping is a great option to add into your relaxation and health routine.
Is it Right for You?
Cupping is safe for most people and can be tailored to your comfort level. If you are hesitant about the marks, remember they are temporary and often a sign that your body is releasing built up tension.
Many clients receiving cupping therapy leave their session feeling lighter, looser, more mobile and deeply relaxed.
Experience Cupping at Lili Salon Spa in Edina
As a full service spa in Edina MN, Lili Salon Spa is always looking for ways to elevate your experience and results. Whether you are booking a massage in Edina MN or exploring cupping therapy near you, adding this service is a simple way to take your service to the next level. Book your massage appointment today.