What Is Cupping Therapy?

By Brittney de Vicq, MAc, LAc

Cupping is a treatment method that uses glass, plastic or silicone cups to create suction to pull the skin and muscles.

The suction and negative pressure provided by cupping can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, alleviate stagnation, reduce pain and sedate the nervous system. Cupping is used to relieve back and neck pain, shoulder pain, stiff muscles, fatigue, and a variety of other musculoskeletal injuries.

There are two different types of cupping methods commonly used. The first type is “retained” or “stationary cupping”; this is when the cups stay in one location for the duration of the treatment.

The second type of cupping is “sliding” or “running cupping”; this is when the cups are moved over certain affected areas. Running cupping can feel more intense but has the ability to move out more stagnation, resolve pain, and affect change in a shorter period of time.

Depending on the cupping style being used and the conditions being treated, cups will stay on a patient anywhere from 5-15 minutes.

In order to receive the best possible cupping treatment make sure that your acupuncturist has received certification from a nationally recognized organization in cupping therapy such as the International Cupping Therapy Association.