Russian Cupping, Hawaiian Lami Lami and Swedish deep tissue. Three very different and unique types of massage used by three very different and unique women right here in our Bulkley Valley.

After straining my lower back shovelling heavy snow, I was eager to start researching this particular article. I phoned Zoya Khomyak, of Smithers- a wonderful lady trained in "European and Relaxation" massage in both Russia and Canada

I looked up the words cupping-massage on the Internet and found it to be an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup (either glass or rubber with a 1-2" diameter mouth) is applied to the skin. The pressure in the cup is reduced either by a change in heat inside the glass or by suctioning out the air inside the cup which forces the skin and superficial muscle layer to be drawn into and held inside the cup.

The cup can then be moved while still suctioning any skin it passes over, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle. Cupping is used to drain excess fluids and toxins, bring blood flow to stagnant skin and muscles, stimulate the peripheral nervous system and loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue.