There are myriad versions of Baguanfa including - Stationary (Retaining) Cupping, Needle Cupping, Moxa Cupping, Water Cupping, Wet (Bleeding) Cupping, Flash (Momentary) Cupping, Herbal Cupping and Massage Cupping.

There is no Trademark on "Massage Cupping" The United States Patent and Trademark Office ruled in February 2007, that no Trademark can be claimed on Massage Cupping, due to it's widespread longterm use and history of many hundred years and it being descriptive. No person living today can claim they are the "Source" or "Creator" of Massage Cupping, as it has been around for many generations worldwide. Massage Therapists all over the United States and Canada are learning about this amazingly effective therapy and using it to treat their clients and acheive effects that are cumulative, long lasting, and many therapists report their results as being "miraculous". Cupping Massage is the combination of massage movements and negative pressure with the use of a suction device on the skin. A cup is positioned at the area to be treated and, depending on the type of cups being used; a vacuum is created within the cup to draw the skin and underlying tissue into the cup. The produced vacuum creates a suction effect that increases blood and lymphatic circulation systemically and to the local area, relaxes muscle tissue and support, draws stagnation, pathogenic factors and toxins out of the body and releases a myriad of pain causing factors. The intended suction can range from light to heavy. This, along with the movements performed and areas treated by the therapist will produce stimulating (toning) or sedating (draining) effects. It is very important that therapists be able to effectively assess the condition (physical, mental and emotional) of their clients, before the procedure, so they employ the proper application of the cups to produce the desired outcome. Please get proper training before integrating Cupping Therapy into your Practice. Cupping is a powerful therapy, which if performed incorrectly can cause negative results. Purchasing a video and some cups will not provide sufficient training to effectively and safely administer Cupping.
Engage negative pressure, rather than tissue compression for superior bodywork from MFR and Deep Tissue to MLD – and everything in between! Suction cups rapidly facilitate rigid soft tissue release, loosens & lifts connective tissue, breaks up and drains stagnation while increasing blood & lymph flow to skin & muscles in ways not possible using compression. Another benefit of Negative Pressure Massage is that it really feels great. The pulling action engages the parasympathetic nervous system, thus allowing a deep relaxation to move through the entire body. It is not unusual to fall asleep when receiving this treatment. Clients are surprised at how relaxed, warm and light they feel – hours... sometimes even days afterwards. The added bonus is the reduced wear and tear to the practitioner. The physical repetitive activity is tough on the professional body worker - tools used in Baguanfa greatly increase the practitioners’ comfort and physical longevity. This fact alone merits attention from every body-worker who uses their hands, arms, legs and back. ICTA has 3 day Advanced Workshops to train Massage Therapists in using Cups for Negative Pressure Massage. See our National Schedule to decide when & where you want to get trained to provide your clients with the most phenominal treatments imaginable. Check out what our grads say about our workshops...
We have 6 different Cupping Sets that address the entire body from head to toe. We designed and produce Cupping sets that raises the bar in quality for what is currently available to the consumer. We believe that it is not enough to provide exceptional education and support, we contend that providing therapists with superior equipment is absolutely neccessary.
Due to its wide application, many other therapies can greatly benefit from Baguanfa techniques including; Physiotherapy, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Kinesiology, Acupuncture, Detoxification, Biomagnetic Field Therapy, Chiropractics, Shiatsu, Osteopathy, aesthetic protocols, pre and post surgical care. Massage Cupping can be combined or used as a supplement to traditional massage sessions. The results from the cups are comparable to other expensive and many times painful treatments that usually require large mechanical devices to deliver the results that you expect and want. The traditional application involves inserting a flame into a glass cup to heat the air and create a vacuum, whereas the manual vacuum cups employ a hand pump. Other manual cups being introduced include silicone, rubber, and glass cups with rubber bulbs.
Currently these following Massage Insurance associations cover Cupping Therapy: AMTA - - American Massage Therapy Association - - with the exclusion of heat methods IMA - - International Massage Association - - with the exclusion of heat methods HOTA - - Hands On Trade Association - - with the exclusion of heat methods ABMP - Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals - - with the exclusion of heat methods If you know of Massage Insurance that does cover Cupping Therapy - please contact us with that information - we'll list them.
Benefits Since the techniques use negative pressure, rather than tissue compression, superior bodywork ranging from MFR and deep tissue work to MLD is easily accomplished. The suction of the cups rapidly facilitates rigid soft tissue release by stretching it up from underlying structures, thus loosening areas of adhesion or restriction, activating muscle spindle reflexes that relax contractile tissue and retraining the myofacial structures. Further, it stimulates the nervous system reflex to the cerebral cortex, contributing to an increased rate of recovery from pain and disease. The effects are remarkable on hypertonicity and aching muscles and activate the secretion of synovial fluids, which release joint stiffness in ways not possible using the pressure of traditional massage. It concurrently creates localized expansion of tissue, producing a profound vasodilatation reaction - drawing blood flow to areas of ischemic pain, raising skin temperature, promoting metabolism within the skin tissue for better functioning of sweat and sebaceous glands, flushing capillary beds, draining stagnant blood, toxins and lymph, and re-supplying vital nutrients. Its use in beauty therapy is based around promoting hormone production, encouraging blood and the secretion of digestive fluids and increased peristaltic movements in the bowels and internal organs, thus removing harmful toxins that speed up the ageing process and other degenerative conditions. Another effective application of the cupping technique is in the treatment of cellulite. A very light suction provides drainage, while heavier application can be used to stimulate circulation and loosen adhesions or “dimpling.” The thighs and hip region should be cupped prior to a wrapping procedure to enhance the absorption of topical products. Another application of Negative Pressure Massage include an extraordinary face lift and drainage treatment and the addition of new equipment that include negative and positive polarity magnet make Biomagnetic Therapy potentials tremendous.
Benefits to the Recipient - Deep tissue work and release without discomfort - Moves stagnation and drains fluids - Relieves Inflammation - Nervous System Sedation - Breaks Up and Expels Congestion - Stretches Muscle and Connective Tissues - Loosens Adhesions - Pulls blood supply to the Skin - Facilitates the movement of Qi and Blood systemically and locally - Dispels wind, damp and cold to treat muscle and joint pain, stiffness, and arthritis - Strengthens the immune system by promoting the flow of lymphatic fluid - Treats excess heat conditions, fever, stress, depression and anxiety - Cleans the blood and lymph and helps to balance PH levels The suction created by cupping pulls stagnant fluids to the surface, removes toxic pathogens and promotes fresh oxygenated, nutrient rich blood & lymph
Benefits to the Practitioner - Deep work with less strain on the Practitioner, extending career longevity - Tissue release without discomfort to client - Reduced time in treatment - Increase in Revenues and Treatment Potentials - Inexpensive Equipment - Enjoyable to Perform on Clients - Effective in resolving previously unresolved or plateaued conditions - Ability to work on greater range of people and a wider variety of conditions and issues Although Cupping is easy to do - it is not simple. Proper client assessment and application of the many different variations of Cupping is essential to safe effective outcomes.
Conditions Responding to Cupping Therapy As these treatments gain wider audience and applications are addressed, new and sometimes surprising results occur. This list is a partial, but steadily growing one that we will keep updated. PLEASE - Anyone having experiences or protocol they would like to share - please do not hesitate to do so here. We will post any reports or feedback on the Testimonials page. Colds & Influenza Headaches Abscesses Arthritis Intercostal Neuralgia Intestinal disorders Hemorrhoids Sciatica Rheumatism High blood pressure, stroke and arteriosclerosis Bronchial asthma & congestion Gynecological disorders Kidney disorders (including frequent/urgent urination) Dispels colds and respiratory infections Relieves gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomachache, vomiting and diarrhea Liver disorders Gallbladder disorders Dermatological disorders Depression Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Anxiety & insomnia Post-injury trauma Post-surgery adhesions Cellulite Musculo-skeletal problems: pain, spasms, cramps, tightness, numbness, stiffness of the back and neck Chronic gastric pain Vertigo Menopausal discomforts Activates the skin, clears stretch marks and wrinkles and improves varicose veins
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR CUPPING Cupping is contraindicated in cases of severe diseases, i.e. cardiac failure, renal failure, ascites due to hepato-cirrhosis and severe edema, as well as hemorrhagic diseases such as allergic pupura, hemophilia and leukemia, and clients with dermatosis, destruction of skin, or allergic dermatitis. Cupping should not be applied on the portion where hernia exists or has occurred in the past. For pregnant women, the lower abdomen, medial leg and lumbosacral region should be avoided. Disclaimer Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. As a non-medical practitioner, if you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding Baguanfa have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.