Cupping Therapy
- 89johnp
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
lets talk Cupping Therapy: What It Is, How It Works, and Why People Love It
firstly Remember, if you’re in areas like Tuggeranong, woden valley or queanbeyan region. You don’t have to worry about paying the extra travel fee that North Canberra has to pay. I Just thought to mention it as an added perk of being local.
Cupping therapy is one of the oldest healing techniques in the world—and it’s making a huge comeback. You’ve probably seen elite athletes, wellness enthusiasts, or even your local gym-goers sporting round red marks on their backs or shoulders. That’s the signature look of cupping therapy.
But what exactly is it? Why are so many people turning to cupping for pain relief, relaxation, and wellness? In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cupping therapy—what it is, how it works, the different types, the benefits, and what to expect if you book a mobile cupping session in the comfort of your home.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a type of alternative therapy that involves placing special cups on your skin to create suction. This suction helps stimulate blood flow, reduce muscle tension, promote healing, and pull stagnant fluids and toxins toward the surface of the body.
Cupping has roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but it’s also been practiced in ancient Egyptian, Middle Eastern, and Greek medicine. Over the centuries, it’s evolved into a widely used method in both traditional and modern therapeutic settings.
Today, cupping is commonly used by massage therapists, acupuncturists, and physical therapists as a complementary technique to assist with muscle recovery, pain relief, and general wellness.
The Different Types of Cupping Therapy
There isn’t just one way to do cupping. Different types offer different experiences and benefits depending on your goals and preferences:
1. Dry Cupping
This is the most common form of cupping used in massage therapy. A suction cup is applied to the skin and left in place for a set time (usually 5–15 minutes). No incisions or fluids are involved—just the suction effect.
Dry cupping is great for loosening tight muscles, promoting blood flow, and reducing pain and inflammation.
2. Wet Cupping (Hijama) This method is completely illegal in Australia
In wet cupping, the skin is lightly pricked before the cup is applied. The suction then draws a small amount of blood out of the area. This technique is believed to draw out toxins and stagnant blood.
Because it involves a minor breach of the skin, wet cupping must be done in a sterile, controlled environment and is often practiced by trained professionals in specific cultural or clinical settings.
3. Fire Cupping
This traditional method involves briefly heating the inside of a glass cup with a flame before placing it on the skin. The heat creates a vacuum as the air cools, causing the cup to suction onto the body.
Although it sounds intense, the process is safe when performed correctly. Fire cupping is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and is excellent for deep muscle relief.
I personally do not use fire cupping in my practice because vacuum cupping gives much better control of the suction you desire to use.
4. Moving Cupping (Gliding Cupping)
Oil is applied to the skin before suction cups are gently moved across muscles. This combines the benefits of cupping with massage-like strokes, and it’s particularly effective for large muscle groups like the back and thighs.
How Does Cupping Therapy Work?
The idea behind cupping is fairly simple but highly effective.
When the cup is placed on your skin and suction is created (either by a pump or by heating the cup), the skin and superficial muscle layer are pulled upward. This negative pressure stimulates blood flow, stretches tight fascia, and signals the body’s natural healing processes.
Here’s what happens beneath the surface:
Increased Circulation: The suction brings more blood to the area, which enhances nutrient delivery and waste removal.
Muscle Relaxation: Tense muscles are softened as pressure is lifted and tissues are gently stretched.
Lymphatic Drainage: Cupping supports the lymph system by encouraging the flow of lymphatic fluid, which carries toxins and immune cells.
Reduced Inflammation: The enhanced circulation can help flush out inflammatory substances, reducing pain and stiffness.
Some people describe the sensation as a reverse massage—it’s pressure being pulled out instead of pushed in.
What Are the Benefits of Cupping Therapy?
Cupping has a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. Some of the most commonly reported include:
✅ Pain Relief
Cupping is often used to relieve chronic pain, especially in the back, neck, and shoulders. It can be especially helpful for tension headaches, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and joint pain.
✅ Faster Muscle Recovery
Athletes love cupping because it speeds up recovery by improving circulation and reducing muscle soreness after intense workouts or training.
✅ Reduced Inflammation
By stimulating lymph flow and clearing stagnation, cupping can help reduce chronic inflammation, swelling, and tightness.
✅ Improved Range of Motion
Cupping helps loosen connective tissues and release fascial restrictions, leading to improved mobility and flexibility.
✅ Stress Relief
As the cups lift tension from the muscles, clients often feel deeply relaxed during and after a session. Some even compare it to the calming effects of deep tissue massage.
✅ Detoxification Support
Although scientific evidence is limited, some believe cupping helps the body eliminate toxins by drawing stagnant fluids and impurities to the skin’s surface for processing by the lymphatic system.
What to Expect During a Mobile Cupping Session
When you book a mobile cupping therapy session, you can enjoy all the benefits without leaving your home. Here’s what the process usually looks like:
1. Consultation
Your therapist will start with a short consultation to understand your needs, pain areas, and medical history. This ensures that cupping is appropriate and safe for you.
2. Preparation
You’ll lie down comfortably, and the therapist will apply oil (if using moving cupping) and clean the skin. Cups will be placed on target areas like the back, shoulders, glutes, or legs.
3. Application
The therapist will create suction and either leave the cups stationary or glide them across the skin depending on the method used. The suction might feel tight or warm but shouldn’t be painful.
4. Aftercare
The therapist will remove the cups, clean the area, and give aftercare tips. You may be advised to stay hydrated and rest.
Note: It’s completely normal to have circular marks or bruises where the cups were placed. These usually fade within a few days.
Is Cupping Safe?
Yes, cupping is generally safe when performed by a trained professional. However, it’s not recommended for:
People with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinners
Those with skin infections, wounds, or very thin skin
Pregnant women (certain areas should be avoided)
Always communicate with your therapist about any health concerns before your session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cupping hurt?Not usually. It may feel strange at first—tight or slightly tingly—but it shouldn’t hurt. If you feel pain, always let your therapist know.
How long do the marks last?Cupping marks typically last 3 to 7 days, depending on the intensity and your skin type.
How often should I get cupping therapy?It depends on your condition and goals. Some clients benefit from weekly sessions, while others use it as needed for maintenance or recovery.
Does it cost extra?
No I charge the same, but give me notice you are after this service to make sure I bring them.
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Enough from me,
Bye bye
John Power
Soft Tissue Massage therapist
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