I want to talk with you about one of my favorite massage modalities and tools, cupping therapy. There are many benefits of cupping for both massage practitioners and clients. I also will share with you some information about one of the most innovative massage tools I have seen that hit the market this year, the Achedaway Cupper.
Why cupping?
After massage school, I fell in love with barefoot massage and the deep pressure it could provide with minimal strain on my body. But I also dove into learning more about cupping. It wasn’t the cool marks that got me, but the lifting and separation of tissues that intrigued me. Do you ever just imaging your tense areas and what it would feel like if someone was able to grab them, pull them up and release all that tension clinging to the body? Cupping often does that. As a massage therapist, I can only push so much, I also wanted some pull on the tissue. And grabbing tissue with Massage cream on it isn’t always that easy.
Cupping is another one of those modalities that is easy on my body and when combining it with massage my clients get better results. Another win-win.
There are many benefits of cupping.
Types of Cupping Cups
Today, there are so many different cupping cups, or cupping devices, available on the market. If you are new to cupping, you may wonder what is best for you.
Plastic Cupping Set with Hand Pump
When I started my massage journey, over 20 years ago now, one of my first eBay purchases was a cupping set that used a hand pump. This was before the Olympics when everyone saw those mysterious marks https://amzn.to/3zcJCm2 on athletes and interest in cupping therapy exploded. This type of set is still widely available today. It was a good set to use to explore, but I would never go back to using these types of cups.
Glass Cupping
Of course, the only other alternative at that time was glass cups and fire -which can be dangerous without proper training. Not only that, this style is rarely covered under most massage therapist insurance policies. I certainly did not have the training at that time to try them nor the desire to use something that would not be covered under my policy. But I understand the draw to this as it is really the “OG” cupping method.
Silicone Cups
Over the years, I became a fan of more a mobile, or dynamic, style cupping. Some people call this “modern cupping”. Dynamic cupping means I rarely let cups sit and develop the dark-bruise-like” marks they leave behind. I move and glide the cups around, lifting, creating space and separation in areas that feel tight and “stuck”. For this type of cupping, I rely on my favorite cups to date, silicone cups. My only issue with silicone cups is keeping the pressure consistent. https://amzn.to/3FMdF6w. Other than that, they are easy to store, clean, and travel with.
If I was going to start out with a basic, affordable cup – silicone is where I would begin.
Vacuum Cupping Machine
I have also tried cupping machines. These vacuum cupping machines allow you to adjust pressure and keep it consistent. With a massage cream or oil, they make my mobile style of cupping very easy. However, this device can be expensive, takes up a lot of room, and is not easy to travel with.
Achedaway Cupper
But now we have smart cups. Cups that have apps, consistent pressure, the ability to take cupping with us on the go – and we have Achedaway to thank for that. Really, this is one of the most innovative massage tools I have seen in my 20 years as a massage therapist who has reviewed hundreds of massage tools.
Achedaway sent me a free cup to review. And here are some of my thoughts.
Pros
Easy to Use
Easy to store or take with you. There are three cups. The smallest one is curved for the forearm or other body curves. To change cups, simply unscrew one and replace it with the desired size.
Well Thought Out
They thought this tool out. There is a cord for you to hold onto. Because it did slip out of my hand on occasion and the cord saved it from falling on the ground
The copper includes red light therapy. This warming sensation is a nice addition.
Powerful
There is no lack of suction with this device. Much more than expected. If pressure and pull are what you want, you will not be disappointed here.
Cons
Like most other massage tools, nothing is perfect.
Powerful
Yes. I hate making this a con. And, yes, this was a pro too. I am a pressure-loving person, but I do wish there was an option for a little less suction. The lowest setting is still quite intense for me. But for others, this may be just fine.
Also, the suction was so much, that even with a fair amount of cream or oil, I was rarely able to move the cup around. This made dynamic cupping very difficult.
Noisy
It is a little noisy. If you are back in the office working, this is not something that is quiet like a TENS unit, other massage tools, or manual cupping devices. People will hear the device if you are all sitting around the living room trying to watch TV together.
Cost
Currently, the Achedaway cupper costs over $150. So, this device is not cheap. But innovative tools rarely are. However, this does not mean it is not worth the cost. This is not a $20 silicone cupping set. It is like comparing your old landline phone to your smartphone. They both make calls, but one is just on another level in a technical sense.
Where to Buy
You can purchase the Achedaway Cupper on Amazon or directly from their website.
Final Thoughts
Again, the Achedaway cup is extremely easy to use. Simply turn on and place on an area until it is able to achieve suction. You can manually control from on the unit, or use the app.
There are 5 modes, which really are just patterns of suction and release. Choose one and then one of the five intensity levels you desire.
This tool is good for home use or for massage professionals. In my opinion, it is a good investment in your massage practice and your body.
It truly warmed and loosened the muscle tissues, helped increase range of motion, and alleviate pain. My three words to describe it are effective, powerful, and innovative. It is a device I recommend to those interested in cupping therapy and those with cupping experience looking for a modern take on an ancient therapy.
Thanks again Achedaway for letting me try out your product. It was fun to experiment with this innovative massage product. Looking forward to seeing what else you have lined up in the future!
Here is the link to buy it again – Achedaway Cupper
Here is a quick video demonstration to show you how easy this device is to use.
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