What Is Cupping Therapy And How Do You Use It?

Cupping therapy is an ancient healing method used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that provides distinct health benefits.

It gained recent popularity in the U.S. when Olympian Michael Phelps was seen with cup marks on his back.

Cupping can alleviate neck and back pain, ease arthritis pain, increase blood flow, promote cellular repair, and relieve muscle tension.

Moreover, cupping therapy may help with skin problems, promote restful sleep, and alleviate digestion and respiratory issues.

Below, you’ll learn more about this ancient method and its many health benefits.

What is Cupping Therapy?

During a cupping session, a practitioner places circular cups on the body (typically on the back, stomach, arms, or legs). The suction of the cup pulls the skin upwards before releasing.

Cupping can be performed as a wet or dry method using glass or plastic cups to apply suction and heat to meridian points (energy pathways). Other techniques include retained cupping, flash cupping, moving cupping, wet cupping, medicinal cupping, and needling cupping.

The wet method involves puncturing the skin so toxins leave the body during the process. The dry method uses heated cups placed on the skin to create a vacuum effect, improving blood and oxygen flow while releasing pain and toxins.

Other types involve ceramic, metal, silicone, animal horns, or bamboo cups in various cultures. Most people do not find cupping painful, though some may experience lightheadedness or nausea after a session. Suction marks (purple or brown circles) can last 1–2 weeks.

It’s advisable to eat wholesome foods, drink plenty of water, rest well, and keep the treated area covered during recovery.

According to Eu Yan Sang’s TCM physician Kong Teck Chuan, people with diabetes, hypertension, blood-related diseases, bleeding disorders, or pregnant women should avoid cupping.

Types of Cupping Therapy

Here are the main types of cupping therapy:

Massage cupping

Performed on large muscle groups, massage oil is applied first, and the cups are moved along meridians to detect stagnation or poor blood flow.

Stationary cupping

This involves placing suction cups on specific areas for 10–15 minutes. The process is repeated across different areas as needed.

Sliding cupping

This deeper tissue technique also uses oil so the cups can glide across muscle groups to treat pain and improve circulation.

Fire cupping

In this traditional method, a therapist creates a vacuum seal by quickly inserting and removing a flame from the cup before placing it on the body. This technique lifts the fascia and helps eliminate toxins.

Health Benefits of Cupping

Cupping therapy offers numerous benefits. Here are three common ones:

Cupping for anxiety

A 2018 study showed wet cupping may help with post-traumatic stress disorder. Cupping improves blood flow, detoxifies tissues, and promotes relaxation, which may ease symptoms of anxiety and depression over time.

Cupping for weight loss

Cupping can promote digestion, improve bowel movements, and flush out waste. It may also regulate leptin, the hormone that manages hunger and appetite.

Cupping for muscle tension

This therapy helps stretch fascia, relax tissues, improve fluid circulation, and relieve pain from tension or injury. Repeated sessions can improve flexibility and alleviate strain on joints and muscles.

In conclusion, cupping offers a natural and complementary approach to improving physical and emotional well-being.

This article is adapted from “Cupping for Beginners,” originally published on the Eu Yan Sang website.