Cupping
Cupping Therapy & Massage: What It Is and Why It Works
You may have seen the circular marks on Olympic athletes and wondered what they were. That's cupping therapy — and it's not just for elite athletes. At El Retiro Holistic Spa in Albany, CA, we combine cupping with massage therapy for a powerful treatment that reaches tension your hands alone can't.
How Cupping Works
Cupping involves placing silicone or glass cups on the skin to create suction. This negative pressure lifts the tissue, drawing blood flow to the area and separating layers of fascia that have become stuck together. While massage pushes into tissue, cupping pulls it apart — making the two techniques highly complementary.
Benefits of Cupping with Massage
The combination of cupping and massage can release deep muscle tension that massage alone can't reach, increase blood flow and accelerate healing, reduce inflammation and pain, improve range of motion, and speed recovery from workouts and injuries. The treatment is especially effective for the upper back, shoulders, and neck — areas where desk workers and athletes alike carry the most tension.
Book Cupping & Massage in Albany
Our Massage and Cupping sessions start at $230 for 60 minutes, with 90-minute sessions available for $330. Deep Tissue with Cupping is also available for those who want maximum therapeutic impact.