Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is a traditional healing practice used in many cultures—especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—to promote circulation, reduce pain, and support healing. It involves placing specially designed cups on the skin to create suction. This suction pulls the skin and underlying tissue upward into the cup, which is believed to stimulate blood flow, relieve muscle tension, and encourage detoxification.

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How It Works:

• Types of cups: Glass, bamboo, silicone, or plastic.

• Methods of suction:

  • Fire cupping: A flame briefly heats the inside of the cup before it's placed on the skin, creating a vacuum as it cools.

  • Pump cupping: A mechanical pump removes air from the cup to create suction.

  • Silicone cupping: Cups are manually squeezed to create suction and can be glided over the skin (often called massage cupping).

 

Common Uses:

• Muscle soreness or tension (especially back, neck, and shoulders)

• Sports recovery

• Headaches and migraines

• Respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, coughs)

• Fatigue or general wellness

 

What to Expect:

• Cups are typically left on the skin for 10–15 minutes.

• You may see circular marks or bruises afterward—these are painless and usually fade within a few days.