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Cupping

What is cupping?

Cupping is a traditional therapy that uses suction cups to create a gentle pulling sensation on the skin. The cups are applied to specific areas of the body, drawing the skin and underlying tissue upward.

A vacuum is created in the cup using either a brief flame (fire cupping) or a hand pump (suction cupping). Your practitioner will choose the method most appropriate for you.

Cupping is often used alongside acupuncture, though some people choose to have cupping as a standalone session.

 

What to expect

During treatment, the cups are left in place for a short time. You will feel a pulling or tightening sensation — this is normal and most people find it painless.

After the cups are removed, it is common to see circular marks on the skin. These range from light pink to dark purple and are simply the result of blood being drawn to the surface. They are not bruises in the usual sense and typically fade within 5 to 10 days.

 

After your session

Keep the treated area clean and loosely covered.

  • Avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.
  • Protect the marks from strong sun and cold wind for 24 hours.
  • Any mild soreness or fatigue usually passes within a day.
  • If a blister forms, do not burst it. Contact your practitioner or GP for advice.
  • If your symptoms temporarily feel more noticeable, this usually settles within a few days. If it persists, speak with your practitioner.

 

When cupping may not be suitable

Your practitioner will not use cupping on broken skin, open wounds, ulcers, burns, or rashes. Cupping will also be avoided over:

• the abdomen during pregnancy
• areas already treated with gua sha or cupping in the past 48 hours
• enlarged blood vessels or over the arteries of the neck
• areas of active inflammation or certain skin disorders

 

Extra care is needed if you:

  • Are taking anticoagulant medication (blood thinners) — please discuss this with your practitioner beforehand.
  • Are a child — treatment must have parent/guardian consent and your agreement. Only small cups with very gentle suction are used, for no more than five minutes. Fire cupping is not used on children.
  • Are elderly or physically fragile — only very mild suction is recommended.
     

FAQs

The colour of cupping marks varies from person to person. Darker patches are common and usually reflect areas where circulation has been drawn to the surface. They are not harmful and will fade naturally.