分类: Massage

Cupping vs Massage: What's the Difference and How Can It Help?

16/4/2026

By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist

Cupping and massage are both therapeutic techniques that aim to promote health and well-being, but they differ in their methods and approaches. Here are the key differences between cupping and massage:

Technique

Massage: Involves hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. Massage therapists use various strokes, kneading, and pressure to release tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
Cupping: Involves placing specialised cups on the skin to create suction. The cups can be left in one place (static cupping) or moved around (dynamic cupping). The suction lifts the skin and underlying tissues, promoting blood flow and releasing tension.

Touch vs. Suction

Massage: Relies on direct physical touch by the therapist's hands, fingers, elbows, or other massage tools. The therapist can feel the tissues' response and adjust the pressure and technique accordingly.
Cupping: Utilises suction to lift the skin and create space between the tissues. The therapist may manipulate the cups to move them around the body, but the interaction is primarily through the suction created by the cups.

Pressure Application

Massage: The therapist can control the pressure applied to the tissues based on the client's preferences and the specific therapeutic goals. Techniques range from light to deep pressure.
Cupping: The pressure is created by the vacuum effect of the cups. The intensity of the suction can be adjusted, but it is not as directly controlled by the therapist's hands as in massage.

Tools and Equipment

Massage: Typically involves the use of the therapist's hands and possibly massage oils or lotions. Massage may also incorporate tools such as rollers, hot stones, or other manual instruments.
Cupping: Requires specialised cups made of various materials such as glass, silicone, or plastic. These cups can be applied using different methods, including fire cupping (using heat to create suction) or vacuum pump cupping.

Goals and Effects

Massage: Aims to relax muscles, alleviate tension, improve circulation, and enhance overall well-being. It can be tailored to address specific issues, such as pain, stress, or muscle tightness.
Cupping: Aims to promote blood circulation, release muscle and fascial tension, reduce inflammation, and address specific conditions such as pain and injury recovery . Cupping may leave distinctive circular marks on the skin, known as "cupping marks," which are not bruises but a result of the suction. These marks tend to go away within a couple-7 days depending on the client's circulation, or from having darker and more stagnant areas being released.

Sensation and Experience

Massage: Provides a hands-on and tactile experience. Clients often feel the therapist's touch and the manipulation of their tissues, which can be both relaxing and therapeutic.
Cupping: Involves a unique sensation due to the suction and lifting of the skin. Some people find cupping relaxing, while others may find it slightly intense or unfamiliar.

While massage and cupping can be used independently, some practitioners integrate both techniques in a session to provide a comprehensive and customised approach to their clients' needs. Additionally, combining these modalities may offer synergistic benefits, addressing both the superficial and deeper layers of soft tissues.

At-Home Massage: How to do It Properly

26/2/2026

By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist

If you’ve ever wanted to help your partner wind down or loosen up tight shoulders after a stressful week, this one’s for you.

As a Qualified Beauty Therapist, Remedial Massage Therapist, and Myotherapist, here are some simple tips to help you give a massage that actually feels good!

1. Keeping Posture a Priority When Massaging

On a bed (client lying down):

Keep your back straight and your arms as straight as possible. Use your body weight to apply pressure instead of pushing with your hands. Think of a CPR-style stance — but without that particular movement. This protects your wrists, shoulders, and lower back.

Working on arms or feet:

Sit close to the area you’re treating. Keep your arms relaxed and your elbows near your sides. Avoid reaching or locking your shoulders forward.

On a chair – neck and shoulders:

Stand behind them at a height that doesn’t make you lift your arms. Your hands should be able to rest comfortably on their shoulders. If you feel like you’re shrugging, adjust your height or position.

On a chair – limbs or head:

Sit in front of the area you’re treating. Keep your elbows close to your body and your arms relaxed. Stay mindful of not leaning or overreaching.

On a couch:

You can either stand behind the couch, or have them sit on the couch while you sit on a pillow on the floor in front of them. This works well for the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

2. What can I use?

Coconut Oil
Any regular cream
Don’t use other Cooking oils- I don't think they’ll appreciate smelling like a salad
Body oils
Sports cream if needed- (follow directions, & avoid it near the eyes & mouth)

Make sure to only apply more when needed rather than heaps on at the start, and be careful & use a product that they don't have any allergies to.

3. Caution before starting:

Physical Safety

Avoid any areas that are bruised, injured, irritated, infected, or still healing.
Be gentle around sensitive zones like the neck, armpits, inner elbows, upper inner thigh & groin area. These areas don’t handle heavy pressure well.
If they react with sharp pain or say it hurts, go lighter or stop. This massage shouldn't feel intense or overwhelming.
Skip massage if they’re unwell, feverish, or dealing with things like blood clots or very painful veins. (especially swollen areas post flight!)
Don’t press directly onto the spine. Work into the muscles alongside it instead.

Technique and Setup

Never heat massage oil in the microwave. It can become dangerously hot without warning.
Don’t apply essential oils directly to the skin unless they’re properly diluted- ask a professional for advice if you wish to use these.
Very soft surfaces like beds make it harder to work properly and can strain your back if not looking after your posture
Keep your strokes slow, smooth, and steady. Avoid rushing or using random pressure.
Always adjust if they ask for less pressure or say something feels uncomfortable.

Boundaries and Respect

Don’t move into private or sensitive areas without clearly checking first.
Notice their body language. Pulling away, tensing up, or going quiet usually means something isn’t right.
If either of you starts feeling awkward, unsure, or uncomfortable, it’s okay to stop.
When you’re unsure, keep things light, talk openly, and focus on helping them unwind — not trying to do professional-level deep work at home.
Be mindful of any traumatic areas or hypersensitive zones (including anxious people): go slow, light, & get feedback as to prevent any discomfort.

4. Feedback

Making sure your partner/other is happy is the main part, this will help make sure you were successful in helping them
Don’t get too discouraged if they still need additional help. That’s why we’re here
If you are ever unsure or uncomfortable to provide a treatment to your partner/other, feel free to reach out to us or even book an appointment.

Cupping vs Massage: What's the Difference and How Can It Help?

At-Home Massage: How to do It Properly

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