Cupping creates negative pressure by placing glass or silicone cups on the skin and drawing the tissue upward. This lifts fascia, separates adhered layers of connective tissue, and draws stagnant blood and metabolic waste to the surface where it can be reabsorbed and eliminated.
The characteristic marks left by cupping (petechiae) are not bruises — they reflect the degree of stagnation present in the tissue. Dark marks indicate significant congestion; light pink indicates healthier circulation. The marks typically resolve within 3–7 days.
Cupping is often combined with acupuncture in the same session, as the two modalities work synergistically — acupuncture restores Qi flow while cupping simultaneously clears physical stagnation and opens the channels.
What it addresses
Chronic back and neck tension resistant to other treatment
Sports injuries and post-exercise muscle recovery
Respiratory conditions — congestion, bronchitis, asthma
Scar tissue and adhesion release
Myofascial pain and fibromyalgia
Circulatory stagnation in the limbs
Stubborn headaches with a tight, constrictive quality
General detoxification and lymphatic support
Common Questions
Will it leave marks?
Yes, cupping typically leaves circular marks that range from light pink to deep purple depending on the degree of stagnation present. These are not bruises — they don't have the tenderness of a bruise — and they resolve within 3–7 days.
Does cupping hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as a strong suction or a deep stretch — unfamiliar but not painful. The cups are left in place for 5–15 minutes depending on the area and condition being treated.
Can I exercise after cupping?
We recommend avoiding vigorous exercise for 24 hours after a cupping treatment to allow the tissue to integrate the work. Light walking is fine.
Pain ReliefMuscle TensionCirculationSports RecoveryRespiratoryDetox
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