How To Use Silicone Cups for Self-Myofascial Release

We may not all have the time or funds to take care of our bodies as much as we'd like to, or even need. But that doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't do it.

Convenience is luxury, but ability is a privilege.

Silicone cups are a personal favorite and go-to for me when it comes to caring for my body. They're super simple to use, easy to pack up and travel with, and honestly a life-saver for me. Read below for everything I know about these bad boys and stay tuned for some tutorial videos via the gram. Follow me here. 

Benefits:

• Pain relief
• Release fascia
• Muscle relaxation
• Increase in mobility
• Removes energy blockages
• Improves blood circulation 

Usage: Using cups can be rather simple, considering the below (see 'do not' list).

To use these cups, start off by applying an oil of your choice to the treatment area. Lotion also works, however, oil will allow the cups to slide a bit easier and for longer without having to reapply. Considering you're not allergic to coconut oil, it's a great option. I also love Vitamin E oil, but if you're sticking to a budget, coconut oil will do. 

Squeeze or press on the cup to secure it to the skin. This will create a negative pressure required to create a seal. The amount of suction will vary based on how hard you press. Play around with it until it feels right. Once the right pressure is obtained, there are a few things you can do:

• Leave the cups in place to provide deep stimulation to the underlying tissue.
• Slide the cups back and forth along the desired area for more of a fascial release.
• Leave the cups in place while bringing movement to the surrounding joints (more on this later).

Whichever option you decide you go with, use increments of 30-60 seconds and three to five minutes. This shouldn't be painful, though a slight initial discomfort is normal. 

Do Not: While a few of these should be obvious, we'll go over them just because. Plus — better safe than sorry, ya dig?

Okay, here goes. 

In a nutshell: 

• Don't use these over an open wound...ever. 
• Therefore...do not cup over any bleeding, infected areas, or injured skin.
• Avoid using them for back to back days on areas where bruising occurs (bruising isn't a bad thing, but you want to let the skin and tissue restore itself before giving it another go). A pretty good rule of thumb is to wait at least 48 hours before recapping any areas with bruising. 
• Do not use over the abdomen if pregnant. 
• Unless your cupping skills are advanced, avoid leaving these cups on for more than 30-60 seconds to begin. If the area isn't sensitive to the cups you may leave it on for longer. Think back, maybe quads, etc. Everyone is different though. No extreme pain should be experienced.
• Avoid using on the face unless you absolutely know what you're doing. There's a lot of sensitive stuff going on there.

• *** If you are suffering from chronic disease like congestive heart failure, renal failure or peripheral edema, do not use cupping therapy.

Cleaning & Disinfecting: What I love the most about these cups is that cleaning them out is pretty simple. Whichever you choose, I recommend doing immediately after use so that no buildup occurs. 

• Wash in hot water with dish soap or antibacterial soap then wipe them down with alcohol.
• Clean out with disinfectant wipes and/or stick them in the dishwasher with no worries. They're pretty strong and will hold up just fine. I personally like doing both as oil and dirt can get stuck in between the crevices. 
• Place in boiling water for two to three minutes.