Cupping Therapy
Suction cups placed on the skin to increase local blood flow and ease tension.
About this practice
Cupping uses cups placed on the skin with suction (via heat or a pump) to draw blood to the surface, which practitioners in Traditional Chinese Medicine and other traditions use to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and support recovery. The characteristic circular bruising fades within a week or two and is a normal, expected part of the treatment.
How to do it
- Seek a trained practitioner, especially for your first sessions.
- Expect cups placed over tense or painful muscle areas (commonly the back and shoulders).
- Cups may be left stationary or moved across oiled skin ('sliding cupping') for a massage-like effect.
- Sessions typically last 5-15 minutes per area, followed by mild redness or circular bruising that fades in 5-10 days.
- Stay hydrated afterward and avoid intense exercise or cold exposure on treated areas for the rest of the day.
Conditions it may help with
Cautions
- Avoid over broken skin, varicose veins, or if you're on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.
- Not recommended during pregnancy over the abdomen or lower back.
This is educational information, not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new practice, especially if pregnant, nursing, or managing a chronic condition.
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