Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves placing
cups on the skin to create suction. This stimulates the flow of qi (life force), promotes blood circulation, and aids healing by drawing out toxins and stagnation from the body.
​I use this tool to help unwind deep tension and move stagnant qi and blood. You might have seen those round marks left behind on the skin after a treatment—they're a natural and temporary sign of the body's response to healing.
In a session, I place small cups on the skin using gentle-medium suction. This is created either with a flame (in traditional fire cupping) or with a hand pump, depending on what feels appropriate for you. The suction draws up the skin and underlying tissue, encouraging circulation, relieving muscle tightness, and pulling out what Chinese medicine sees as “cold,” “damp,” "heat," "blood stagnation", or “toxins” held in the tissues.
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I often use cupping when someone is holding deep muscular tension, recovering from illness, or feeling sluggish, heavy, or stuck. It's especially helpful for tight shoulders, back pain, chest congestion, or fatigue.
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Sometimes I keep the cups in place for several minutes, and other times I’ll use moving cupping, where the cups are gently glided across the skin after applying oil. This creates a sensation similar to a deep massage—one that penetrates and softens.
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People are often surprised by how relaxing cupping feels. The marks it leaves behind (if any) usually fade within a few days, and many clients report feeling looser, clearer, and deeply restored afterward.
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For me, cupping is about giving the body a chance to exhale—to let go of what it's been quietly holding onto.
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How it works in more depth:
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Cups (usually glass or plastic) are placed on specific areas of the body, often the back.
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Suction is created in the cup either by:
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Heat (fire cupping): A flame is briefly inserted into the cup to heat the air, then the cup is placed on the skin. As the air cools, it contracts and creates a vacuum.
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Mechanical suction (modern method): A pump is used to remove the air from the cup.
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This suction draws the skin and underlying tissues into the cup, encouraging the movement of stagnant blood and energy to the surface and out through the pores.
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The cup may be left stationary or moved along the skin when oil is applied (called moving/sliding/gliding cupping).
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Therapeutic Benefits
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Cupping therapy is employed to address various conditions, including:
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Muscle pain and tension
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Chronic back and neck pain
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Respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis
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Digestive disturbances
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Stress and anxiety
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Fatigue and low energy
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Physical Effects of the Suction
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Increased local blood flow: Brings oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
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Release of fascial and muscular tension: Can relieve stiffness and pain.
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Inflammatory response: Mild, temporary inflammation can trigger a healing response.
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Lymphatic drainage: Helps remove toxins and metabolic waste.
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By facilitating the movement of qi and blood, cupping promotes relaxation and healing within the body.
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Marks and Side Effects:
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Cupping commonly leaves circular marks or bruises, which can last from a few days to a week or two. These are not painful and are seen as a sign of stagnation being released. So it's advised to not have cupping shortly before plans to dress for a special occasion.​​​​​​
I offer cupping within my acupuncture treatments and do not offer cupping as a standalone treatment.
Why, you ask? -It is sometimes not the correct treatment for certain conditions. If you are interested in trying cupping please do mention it to me in your treatment and I will try and accommodate your wishes
if suitable for you at that time.
Fire Cupping
The traditional method where a flame is briefly inserted into a glass cup and removed, then the cup is quickly placed into position on the chosen location. The skin and tissues start to rise into the cup and the skin can change colour. Cups are left in position for varying lengths of time. I will keep a close eye on how the skin and tissues are behaving and adjust accordingly.
Suction Cupping
Plastic cups with a valve at the top are placed on the skin in position and then the air remover tool is attached to the valve and air is removed from the cup. The skin and tissues are pulled up into the cup and the skin can change colour.
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​The skin changes and cupping effects are similar to the fire cupping but there is no need for a flame.
Moving Cupping
Oil is applied to the skin before applying the cups. Usually less suction is created so it is easier to move the cups. Moving cupping has different energetic effects than static cupping so I will determine which will be best in your particular circumstance.
This can be done with both fire cups or plastic suction cups.