Cupping: What to Expect

It is recommended to eat something an hour or two before coming in for a cupping treatment. Patients will be face down on the massage table so the practitioner can access their back. The patient will need to take off their shirt (and bra) lay face down on the table and the practitioner will use suction to extract air out of the cup.

This treatment is very effective and can be relaxing as well as release any latent toxins in the body. After the treatment it is recommended to drink lots of water.

Cupping FAQs

What is cupping?

Cupping is a treatment method in which a cup is attached to the skin by creating negative pressure in the cup. The suction in the cup is generated by placing a flame in the cup just prior to placement, or by a pump which extracts air out of the cup. This draws the skin and superficial soft tissue up into the cup, bringing fresh blood to the region and enhancing circulation and healing.

The cups can be left in one place, or can be moved over an entire region with the suction still active. This latter technique is called moving or gliding cupping.

Where on the body are the cups placed?

Cupping is often done on the back and shoulders. It can also be done on any other part of the body. The cups are applied to specific acupuncture points, channels, and/or entire body regions.

What can cupping treat?

Cupping can be used to treat many different issues. It is commonly used to alleviate pain (especially of the back, shoulders, neck), and for respiratory diseases (such as flu, cold, cough, asthma). It can also help with gastrointestinal disorders, menstrual problems, and general detoxification.

What occurs during the treatment?

The patient will be asked to sit or lay comfortably. The area to be cupped should be free of clothing and jewelry. If the practitioner plans to do moving cupping, he or she will apply some type of lubricant to the skin such as oil or lotion. The practitioner will apply the cups and leave them in place, or move them over a region. Moving cupping is done on fleshier areas of the body.

Generally, the cups are left on for 5–15 minutes. The practitioner removes each cup by pressing the skin below the cup to allow some outside air to leak into and release it. The entire cupping session lasts about 20-30 minutes.

Follow-up cupping sessions can be made once the marks are cleared, until the problem is resolved.

Cupping can be done alone, or in conjunction with acupuncture, body work, and/or moxibustion.

What does cupping feel like?

It can feel like your skin and muscle are being pulled. Some describe the sensation as equivalent to a deep tissue massage. If the suction is strong and/or moving cupping is done, it can be an intense feeling. Moving cupping can create a sensation of heat in the body region being cupped. You should let your practitioner know if anything feels too uncomfortable or painful.

What should I do after a cupping session?

For the rest of the day after your cupping session:

keep the area where you got cupping done well covered and away from chills. This applies not only for the rest of the cupping day, but also the following day as well. The area cupped will be more open which is good for circulation, but can also make your body more susceptible to external pathogens.
avoid hot tubs, cold baths, ocean water
drink lots of water
relax, e.g. avoid rigorous exercise, heavy physical labor, stressful situations

Are the bruises and/or blisters on my back after the cupping session normal?

Yes, quite often people will have circular bruises from the cups which can last several days. Blistering is less common but can also happen in people with sensitive skin. Blisters will often absorb within a week or so.

How do people feel after a cupping session?

People often feel more physically open and invigorated. If it’s your first time getting cupped, you may feel tired after your session. The cupped area will feel lumpy and may be a little stiff or sensitive for a day or so. If the area still feels stiff the following morning, a hot shower can help. Any blisters that form from the cupping will be more tender than the surrounding areas, especially when exposed to hot water.

Is there any case where it is NOT okay to have cupping done?

Yes, the few situations where cupping should be avoided include:

If you have a high fever
If you’re experiencing convulsions or cramping
If you bleed easily or for prolonged periods of time after traumas
In areas of skin inflammation, ulceration, edema, or areas with large blood vessels
If you’re pregnant, the abdominal area or low back should not be cupped. Other areas are okay.
The neck if you have whiplash that is less than 3 months old. (Light cupping can be done if it is within 3 months to a year old.)

If you have any other concerns about whether cupping is appropriate for you, please discuss these with your practitioner.