We got an email from Ayman, the Spa Manager at Emirates Grand spa to add their Spa to our website SpaGenie.ae, with an invitation to experience their Signature treatment called Chinese Cupping Massage. Usually a spa’s signature treatment is a relaxing massage with unique products or techniques, but chinese cupping treatment sounded a little different, nevertheless I decided to give it a try.
Emirates Grand Spa is located on the 45th floor of Emirates Grand Hotel on Sheikh Zayad Road, with convenient valet parking facility. I was warmly welcomed by Ayman as I entered the spa where he offered me a refreshing welcome drink and took me for a spa tour as my therapist Helen was preparing for my treatment. The Grand spa treatment rooms are based on themes of Anise, Rosemary, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon Grass, Pine and so on; so when you enter they have the aroma of the spices and most of their rooms have fantastic view of the sea and the city. Apart from Massages and Facials using Thalgo products, the spa also offers beauty services of which I was impressed by their mani-pedi chairs overlooking a stunning view of the sea!
As we came back to the relaxing lounge, the spa manager explained me the Chinese Cupping Therapy which grand spa has combined with Japanese Lomilomi and deep tissue massage – making it a 90 minute treatment. Cupping is an ancient Chinese method of causing local congestion and works more like Acupuncture. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place. Cupping therapy is very beneficial for many conditions such as high blood pressure, anxiety, fatigue, chronic headache, fibromyalgia and neuralgia. Body contouring with cupping can eliminate cellulite, and contracted, congested muscle tissue will soften quickly with only a few minutes of Massage Cupping bodywork.
I was now excited at the same a little scared to try this interesting treatment as Ayman escorted me to my treatment room. Helen my therapist, patiently waiting for me, advised me to change and offered me a refreshing Honey Ginger tea as she recommended it to be good before we start the massage! While I enjoyed the tea she began with the Foot Ritual which is part of any good massage treatment. Our feet are usually most stressed as they not only carry our weight but also bear the pain of our stunning shoes with 4 inch heels! 
and a feet massage in warm water actually put me in a relaxation mode.
Helen made me lie down comfortably on the bed with face down and the treatment begins with the Japanese massage called Lomilomi combined with deep tissue massage with oil which goes on for about 50 minutes. As the massage was progressing and I was entering the utmost relaxed state, when Helen got the Cups to begin the cupping treatment. I was initially hesitant to try, but as she explained me the process I decided to give it a shot. See on right site, the video of how cupping is done. After placing the cups on the tensed back, cups are to be left for about 15 minutes during which Helen gave me a little feet reflexology so as to take away my attention from the cups! After removing the cups Helen advised me not to shower for at least 10-15 hours. Don’t get scared with little purple marks on your back, they are normal and they fade away within 7 days of the treatment.
Cup massage is versatile and can easily be modified to accomplish and range of techniques, from lymphatic draining to deep tissue release, loosen adhesion and lift connective tissue, bring hydration and blood flow to body tissues and drain excess fluids and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways.By creating suction and negative pressure, cup massage therapy is used to soften tight muscles and tone attachment. Grand Spa at Emirates Grand Hotel chooses Chinese Cup massage combined with Japanese Lomilomi deep tissue massage as their signature treatment as it not only gives the relaxation benefits of a massage but also has healing benefits.
You can try this treatment at Grand spa for AED 450 and checkout complete menu of this spa on their SpaGenie.ae profile page.
Have you tried cupping before? We would love to hear your experience. Please feel free to comment below is you have any questions or comments on the above review.
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