A wonderful ancient tool has found its place in the contemporary world of health care. ACE Massage Cupping™ is a modern form of vacuum therapy, and the incredible results that this simple treatment produces have truly impressed those who experience its subtle power.

By creating suction and vacuum pressure, ACE Massage Cupping™ is used to soften tight muscles and tone attachments, loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue, bring hydration and blood flow to body tissues, move deep inflammation to the skin surface for release, and drain excess fluids and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways. ACE Massage Cupping™ therapy is incredibly versatile and the basic movements can easily be customized to accomplish a wide variety of techniques, from lymphatic drainage to deep tissue release. This complements many health modalities ranging from spa treatments and medical massage to chiropractic, physical and occupational therapies.

Cupping developed over time from the original use of the hollowed animal horns to drain toxins out of snakebites and skin lesions. Horns evolved into bamboo cups, which were eventually replaced by glass. Therapeutic applications evolved with the refinement of the cup itself, and with the cultures that employed cupping as a health care technique. The true origin of cupping therapy remains in obscurity. The Chinese expanded the utilization to include use in surgery to divert blood flow from the surgery site. Cupping eventually developed into a separate therapy, with healers treating a variety of conditions. Early written records date from 28 AD, and a traditional Chinese saying indicated "acupuncture and cupping, more than half the ills cured". Chinese medicine observes that cupping dispels stagnation of Blood and Chi, along with external pathogenic factors that invade a weakened constitution. A depleted constitution is often a result of depleted "Jing Chi" or original essence. This will usually progress to a weakened "Wei Chi", or defense (immune system). The Egyptians produced a text on ancient medicine that discussed the use of cupping for conditions such as fever, pain, vertigo, menstruation imbalances, weakened appetite and accelerating the "healing crisis" of disease. From the Egyptians, cupping was introduced to the Greeks and eventually spread to ancient cultures in many countries of Europe and even the Americas. In recent history, European and American doctors widely used cupping in practice into the 1800's. Research papers were written in the 19th century, and a collaborative effort between the former Soviet Union and China confirmed the clinical efficacy of cupping therapy. It became an official therapy to be found in all Chinese hospitals.

Breast cupping became common for inflamed breasts and lactation dysfunctions and the familiar breast pump evolved from this use. The 20th century brought about a decline in interest as new technology, drugs, and machines came into use. New cupping sets were introduced using mechanical pumps to create the vacuum, and these sets were carried by medical supply companies well into the 1940's.

With a rich history of medical applications, how does ACE Massage Cupping™ fit into current medical and wellness practices and facilities? Vacuum therapy is not an irritant to the skin or body. It draws the inflammation out from deep in the tissues to be released. The skin can turn red with strong movements, indicating that circulation has been brought to the surface. Application of liniments, analgesics, plant hydrosols and essential oil blends immediately after treatment will enable absorption of the product deep into the tissue. Increased local blood supply to the muscles and skin will bring nourishment and allow for toxins to be carried away via the lymph. Conditions of chronic and acute pain can be relieved with minimal discomfort and tense muscles softened quickly and easily. ACE Massage Cupping™ is wonderfully effective to release restrictions in fascia and scar tissue, such as plantar fasciitis. Larger cups are used for the broad areas of the back, and a strong vacuum will mimic the rolling action of deep tissue massage without the discomfort. The movement may be long and draining or circular and stimulating for stubborn knots and areas of rigid tissue. One of the most beneficial applications of vacuum therapy is for preparation and recovery from surgical procedures. Physicians are amazed at the speed and total recovery that their patients exhibit when ACE Vacutherapies™ are used to complement their surgical work. Patients with extreme burns and deep abdominal scars such as C-sections can now benefit from a comfortable therapy to loosen and soften rigid tissue, no matter how old the scar is. The action on the nervous system is sedating and people often fall into a deep state of relaxation. On a deeper therapeutic level, this nervous system sedation is beneficial for those with high blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, chronic headaches, fibromyalgia and neuralgia. The sensation is truly beyond description! People have often reported a deep warmth and tingling sensation long after the treatment has ended. Another effective application of ACE Massage Cupping™ is in the treatment of cellulite. A very light suction provides drainage, while heavier application can be used to stimulate circulation, liquefy deposits of Solid Bloat (the layers of accumulation that is stagnant lymph, blood and debris) and loosen adhesions or "dimpling." The thighs and hip region should be treated with vacuum therapy prior to any wrapping procedure to enhance the absorption of product. Successful and enjoyable body sculpting and contouring is possible, with lasting results and many health benefits! Treatments using ACE Massage Cupping™ include a revolutionary face lifting and drainage treatment and magnetic micro-cup treatments for the body and magnetic reflexology for the feet and hands. The magnetic equipment is showing great results in the treatment of scoliosis, old and new injury sites, along with neuropathy and pain common with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, edema, sciatica and more.