Cupping Therapy Explained: What to Expect and Cupping Benefits 

Cupping therapy is one of my favorite ways to relieve muscle tension quickly and effectively. As a former yoga teacher, I spent hours working to loosen stiff shoulders, but now as a busy mum, I don’t always have that luxury. Cupping is my go-to solution for neck and shoulder discomfort, especially during pregnancy when gentle, safe relief was essential.  

Cupping Therapy: An Ancient Technique for Modern Healing 

The suction stimulates blood flow and melts away tightness in minutes. In this article, I’ll explore how cupping therapy works and who can benefit from this ancient healing practice. 

What is Cupping? 

Cupping therapy uses suction cups placed on the skin to create a vacuum effect that increases blood flow, relieves muscle tension, and promotes healing. Originating thousands of years ago in cultures like ancient Egypt, China, and the Middle East, cupping is now widely practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine and integrative health. 

Cupping is popular for easing pain, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation. Modern cups are made from glass, silicone, or plastic and are applied to areas like the back, shoulders, and neck to support recovery and relaxation. 

The suction draws skin and superficial muscles upward, increasing local blood flow and circulation. This vacuum expands blood vessels, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing metabolic waste and toxins. It also stimulates the lymphatic system to aid detoxification and supports the body’s natural healing. By improving circulation and relieving tension, cupping accelerates tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and alleviates pain. 

Types of Cupping Therapy 

Cupping therapy comes in various forms, each with unique techniques and benefits. I usually apply massage oil on the skin before starting and select one of these methods: 

• Fire Cupping: The traditional and most recognized method. Fire cupping uses a flame to create suction inside glass cups. Heated cups are quickly placed on the skin, creating a vacuum as the air cools. This combines suction with gentle heat to increase blood flow, relieve tension, and promote relaxation. 
• Silicone Cupping: Modern, flexible, and easy to move around the skin, silicone cups are ideal for self-use. Small silicone cups are used for facial or sensitive areas and provide gentler suction than glass. Popular in beauty treatments, they improve circulation and tone. 

Another important distinction is: 

• Dry Cupping: Cups are applied using suction from a pump, manual suction, or fire. No blood is drawn in this non-invasive technique, often preferred in Western practices for muscle relaxation, pain relief, and circulation enhancement. 
• Wet Cupping: Small incisions are made before applying suction cups to draw out a bit of blood, believed to detoxify and reduce inflammation, but requiring professional care. 

Each type can be tailored for different goals, comfort, and treatment areas, from deep muscle relief to delicate facial care. 

Cupping Therapy Techniques 

Whether using fire cupping or silicone cups, I apply one or more of these techniques: 

• Stationary Cupping: Cups placed on tense muscles and left for minutes. The steady suction increases blood flow, releases tightness, and promotes deep relaxation. Ideal for localized pain. 
• Flash Cupping: Cups quickly applied and removed repeatedly across a larger area. Flash cupping stimulates circulation and gently loosens muscles without marks. Often a warm-up step before deeper treatment. 
• Moving Cupping (Massage Cupping): Massage oil is applied, and cups glide over the skin. This breaks up knots, improves lymphatic drainage, and enhances range of motion, especially for large muscle groups. 

Many treatments combine all three for deep release, circulation, and muscle recovery. 

Uses of Cupping in Clinical Practice 

In my experience, cupping therapy effectively treats tight shoulders and back pain, often combined with acupuncture for better results. Many patients feel relief after a few sessions. 

Cupping also releases tension in the IT band, quadriceps, calves, and plantar fascia—common issues for runners, cyclists, and athletes. Used before acupuncture, it prepares muscles and improves outcomes. 

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) standpoint, cupping restores balance by promoting Qi (energy) and blood flow through meridians. It helps the body release pathogens like cold and flu, supporting immunity and recovery. Its broad applications include pain relief, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and relaxation. 

Besides musculoskeletal issues, cupping has relieved neuropathy symptoms by improving circulation. Around the elbow, it helps tennis elbow by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Abdominal cupping supports digestion by enhancing Qi flow and easing bloating. These examples show cupping’s versatility in treating pain, nerve symptoms, and internal health. 

Whether for sports-related tightness, chronic pain, or seasonal ailments, cupping offers a holistic approach complementing acupuncture. 

Side Effects of Cupping Therapy 

Generally safe with a trained professional, cupping may cause side effects. The most common is skin bruising or circular marks from suction pulling blood vessels. These marks range from light pink to purple and fade in weeks, usually harmless. 

Some feel mild soreness, like after deep tissue massage, resolving quickly. Occasionally, skin redness or irritation occurs, especially with sensitive skin or prolonged cups. 

Rare but serious side effects include burns, mostly with fire cupping. To minimize risk, fire cupping must be done by a qualified practitioner using strict safety, hygiene, sterilized equipment, and monitoring. 

People with blood disorders, eczema, or on blood thinners should consult healthcare providers before cupping. 

Key Takeaways 

Cupping therapy is a versatile, time-tested practice offering many benefits—from muscle tension relief to supporting immunity. Used alone or with acupuncture, it gently treats various concerns. If any hold you back, consider cupping for renewed comfort and balance: 

• Shoulder and neck pain 
• Back pain 
• Sciatica 
• IT band tightness 
• Calf tightness 
• Plantar fasciitis 
• Neuropathy 
• Tennis elbow 
• Low immune function 
• And more! 

Ready to experience Cupping Benefits In Calgary?

Reach out to connect with me so we can tailor this ancient technique to your health needs. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to support your wellness journey. Embrace holistic healing and care for your body.