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What is Cupping and how does it work?

Cupping is a traditional therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. It is often used as a form of alternative medicine to promote healing and relieve pain

There are two main types of cupping: dry cupping and wet cupping.

Dry Cupping: In dry cupping, the cups are placed on the skin and suction is created by either heating the cups or by using a mechanical pump. The suction creates a vacuum effect that draws the skin and underlying tissue upward into the cup. The cups are typically left in place for a few minutes, and then removed.

Wet Cupping: Wet cupping involves making small incisions on the skin before applying the cups. Once the cups are in place and suction is created, a small amount of blood may be drawn out through the incisions. This is believed to help remove toxins from the body and promote healing.

The suction created by cupping is thought to help increase blood flow to the area, promote relaxation of muscles, and stimulate the flow of Qi (energy) in the body according to traditional Chinese medicine theory. It is commonly used to treat various conditions such as pain, inflammation, respiratory issues, and even to promote relaxation and well-being.

History of cupping

Cupping, with origins in ancient Egypt and China, around 1500 BCEspread through cultures. Utilized for fever and pain, it became integrated into Traditional Chinese Medicine and later gained popularity in the Middle East and Europe.

Cupping therapy is used to treat:

  • Musculoskeletal pain (e.g., back pain, neck pain, muscle tension)

  • Respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, congestion)

  • Digestive issues (e.g., bloating, indigestion, constipation)

  • Skin conditions (e.g., acne, eczema, cellulite)

  • Stress-related conditions (e.g., anxiety, insomnia, fatigue)

  • Sports injuries (e.g., strains, sprains, overuse injuries)

  • Circulatory disorders (e.g., hypertension, poor blood circulation)

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Cupping is a traditional Chinese method in which special cups are placed on your skin to create suction. Our physicians or trained therapists heat the cups to create a vacuum by placing a burning cotton ball into the cup before placing the cups onto specific points on the body corresponding to various meridians. The suction created by the cups exerts negative pressure on the muscles which helps to increase blood circulation, relieve muscle aches and tension, and improve Qi flow along the meridians. After a session, patients usually report feeling light and relaxed.

  • Avoid showering 3 hours immediately after cupping as your pores are still open, making it easy for you to catch a cold. Stay away from exposure to strong wind and air conditioning. Lastly, drink more water and rest after cupping.

  • Your cupping marks are an indication of your body condition, it tells us the level of Blood and Qi stagnation, toxin accumulation, or dampness accumulation in your body. In general, darker colour means more stagnation is present in that area.

  • Patients taking blood-thinning medications; have blood-clotting issues; serious skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema should be careful. We recommend consulting a certified TCM physician before doing cupping.