Sunday, October 11, 2026, 9 am – 12 pm
3 NYS & NCBTMB CE credits
Tuition: $90
Location: Living Essence Massage Institute, 1891 State Route 96, Trumansburg, NY 14886
This 3-hour course teaches students how to perform cupping on specific areas of the body for certain pathologies and overall detoxification of the body. Students learn the history and purpose of cupping, the benefits and contraindications; how to use the equipment; light, medium, and deep therapeutic cupping techniques; which techniques to use for specific pathologies, as well as for general health and wellness; and how to integrate effective cupping techniques within a massage session or use cupping as a stand-alone treatment. Also discussed is effective treatment planning based on assessment. Demonstration includes equipment setup, integration of light, medium, and deep therapeutic cupping techniques into a massage session, and clean-up/sanitizing guidelines. Supervised practice reinforces lecture and practical application of techniques.
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Meet the Instructor
Katie Barnes
My interest in massage stems from two different people in my life: My dad was a Navy SEAL who lost his left leg in the Vietnam war. He was always in pain, with few options for pain relief. And I was always trying to find ways to ease that pain.
The other influencer in my life was my grandmother. She always had cold, sore feet. I used to soak her feet in warm water with Epsom salts and then massage them. She loved the warmth of the water and the soothing touch.
I’ve always known that I wanted to help people, but I wasn't sure of the best path to realize that dream. I initially became a preschool teacher, but eventually felt bored and unfulfilled with teaching.
So, in 2010, I left teaching and moved to Ithaca, NY, to attend Finger Lakes School of Massage (FLSM). It was the best decision I ever made - I now had a clear way to help people. After graduating from FLSM, I became licensed in massage and began working at Rasa Spa in Ithaca.
In the 13 years I’ve worked at Rasa Spa, I’ve realized my dream of helping people, and so much more. I now make all of the aromatherapy blends for the spa, and do all of the training and orientation of new massage therapists.
In 2017, I took a 2-day cupping class as part of the continuing education necessary to maintain my NY massage therapy license. I arrived at that training experiencing horrible sciatica pain. Massage wasn’t making a lasting difference, but cupping worked! I learned that cupping decompresses the tissue versus the compression that’s often offered as part of traditional massage. I felt instant relief, fell in love with the art of cupping, and immediately integrated it into my massage practice.
During COVID, I created 2 cupping classes that licensed practitioners can take to receive continuing education (CE) credit. I’ve been teaching those classes for about 5 years and still adore introducing people to the wonders of this versatile therapy.
I have also found a deep satisfaction in offering massage to developmentally disabled adults. It is a challenge to work with those who can’t speak, but I find ways to communicate. There is nothing better than seeing someone fall asleep during a massage because they are so relaxed and comfortable.
I find myself working with all populations these days, which means my days are never the same. It keeps me on my toes, interested, and always learning new things.
Sunday, October 11, 2026, 9 am – 12 pm
3 NYS & NCBTMB CE credits
Tuition: $90
Location: Living Essence Massage Institute, 1891 State Route 96, Trumansburg, NY 14886
This 3-hour course teaches students how to perform cupping on specific areas of the body for certain pathologies and overall detoxification of the body. Students learn the history and purpose of cupping, the benefits and contraindications; how to use the equipment; light, medium, and deep therapeutic cupping techniques; which techniques to use for specific pathologies, as well as for general health and wellness; and how to integrate effective cupping techniques within a massage session or use cupping as a stand-alone treatment. Also discussed is effective treatment planning based on assessment. Demonstration includes equipment setup, integration of light, medium, and deep therapeutic cupping techniques into a massage session, and clean-up/sanitizing guidelines. Supervised practice reinforces lecture and practical application of techniques.
_______
Meet the Instructor
Katie Barnes
My interest in massage stems from two different people in my life: My dad was a Navy SEAL who lost his left leg in the Vietnam war. He was always in pain, with few options for pain relief. And I was always trying to find ways to ease that pain.
The other influencer in my life was my grandmother. She always had cold, sore feet. I used to soak her feet in warm water with Epsom salts and then massage them. She loved the warmth of the water and the soothing touch.
I’ve always known that I wanted to help people, but I wasn't sure of the best path to realize that dream. I initially became a preschool teacher, but eventually felt bored and unfulfilled with teaching.
So, in 2010, I left teaching and moved to Ithaca, NY, to attend Finger Lakes School of Massage (FLSM). It was the best decision I ever made - I now had a clear way to help people. After graduating from FLSM, I became licensed in massage and began working at Rasa Spa in Ithaca.
In the 13 years I’ve worked at Rasa Spa, I’ve realized my dream of helping people, and so much more. I now make all of the aromatherapy blends for the spa, and do all of the training and orientation of new massage therapists.
In 2017, I took a 2-day cupping class as part of the continuing education necessary to maintain my NY massage therapy license. I arrived at that training experiencing horrible sciatica pain. Massage wasn’t making a lasting difference, but cupping worked! I learned that cupping decompresses the tissue versus the compression that’s often offered as part of traditional massage. I felt instant relief, fell in love with the art of cupping, and immediately integrated it into my massage practice.
During COVID, I created 2 cupping classes that licensed practitioners can take to receive continuing education (CE) credit. I’ve been teaching those classes for about 5 years and still adore introducing people to the wonders of this versatile therapy.
I have also found a deep satisfaction in offering massage to developmentally disabled adults. It is a challenge to work with those who can’t speak, but I find ways to communicate. There is nothing better than seeing someone fall asleep during a massage because they are so relaxed and comfortable.
I find myself working with all populations these days, which means my days are never the same. It keeps me on my toes, interested, and always learning new things.
