Paula's Body Shop
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About Massage Cupping


Massage cupping with oils is a technique incorporated on an as-needed basis in any session. Although it is not advised, if you prefer to receive only massage cupping with oils, request it during booking, for advance notice is helpful.

What is cupping?

Cupping is vacuum therapy applied to the skin. Vacuum therapy is a method of using suction to lift and separate microscopic layers of connective tissue and to move stuck (congested) fluids, particularly superficial lymph, but also to help stretch the connective tissue inside a joint, from without.

Massage cupping vs TCM cupping

Traditionally, cupping is a practice used by doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In New York, only licensed acupuncturists are allowed to practice TCM cupping.

Massage cupping differs from TCM cupping primarily in length of time that a cup can sit, static, without moving. In TCM cupping, cups are usually placed and left in a singular location for much longer than a few minutes. In massage cupping, cups are usually gliding on the skin with the assistance of oils, and if the cups are not moving, it is never for longer than a few minutes. "Fire cupping" is a TCM practice only, never by massage therapists.

Both TCM cupping and massage cupping are highly therapeutic, but the conditions they are used for will vary between professions, hence the separate licensing.

Massage cupping at Paula's Body Shop

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For efficiency and convenience for both therapist and client, Ms. Mae usually uses a cupping machine that can be set to any vacuum strength. On occasion, silicone cups may be employed, particularly when joint movement would be improved. Facial cups are sometimes employed when sinus issues are at hand. Gentle cupping by machine may be used during breast tissue flush treatments which are great for preparing for breastfeeding, potentially reducing cancer risk and/or false-positive mammograms, or just general breast health.

Some benefits of massage cupping

  • Deep relaxation
  • Lymph cleansing and circulation
  • Skin health
  • Improved joint function
  • Reduction of adhesions caused by scar tissue, illness, or injury
  • Breast health: reduces tenderness, softens, and improves fluid movement
  • Relieves sciatic pain.

Appointments

Remedial and Prevention Focused
​10 AM - 4 PM
Advance booking
Prepayment
​Preparation
No walk-ins
No same-day appointments
​No advance or phone consultations
No sales or marketing contact

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Paula's Massage Therapy

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Repairing the human body since 2003

Ms. Mae helps your body heal itself through innovative connective-tissue-cleansing bodywork and no-nonsense education.

Specialties
Pain & Tension
Injuries
Arthritis
Tendonitis
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME/PEM/SEID)

Pain Solutions vs. Pain Management
Faster Joint and Injury Recovery
Reversal of Premature Aging vs. Anti-aging
Prep and Recovery for major life events: eg. surgery, birthing, sports
Geriatric Care
More Permanent Stress Reduction
Paula's Body Shop Logo Icon and Return to Home Page
 Paula's Body Shop
Paula Mae, LMT
Copyright © 2003 - 2025
All rights reserved.
The word 'massage' denotes Ms Mae's innovative connective tissue therapies led by expert palpation for noticeable before and after results, and derived from  professional training in: Swedish medical massage, Neuromuscular (NMT), Trigger Point, Massage Cupping, Reflexology, Acupressure, Shiatsu, and Smooth Gua Sha. She also employs vibrational therapies from dense to subtle like: Tok Sen (hammer massage) and BioSyntonie.​
  • Appointments
  • Praise
  • FAQ
  • About:
    • Paula Mae, LMT
    • Appointment Prep
    • Office Policies
    • Available Sessions
    • Paula's Massage Therapy
    • Palpation
    • Osteo Therapy
    • Connective Tissue Therapy
    • Trauma Informed Care
    • Biosyntonie
    • Tok Sen
    • Gua Sha
    • Massage Cupping
    • Foot Reflexology
    • EMF
    • Products Used: >
      • Herbals
      • Miracle II
  • Help
  • Thoughts