Cupping
Cupping sets warm or suction cups on the skin of the back or shoulders for a few minutes. Your acupuncturist explains what to expect and what the cups can leave behind.
People who carry tight muscles through the upper back and shoulders ask for cupping, often after a stretch of lifting, driving or training.
A visit can include
Glass cups on the back or shoulders for a few minutes
Gentle suction you can ask us to lower
Faint round marks that fade in a few days
Sometimes paired with acupuncture
What a visit is like, in order
Afterward you may notice light round marks and a warm feeling. They usually fade within a few days.
- 01
Step 1: We talk
Your acupuncturist asks where you feel tight and checks the skin where the cups would go.
- 02
Step 2: You get comfortable
You lie on the table with your back uncovered or draped, whichever you prefer.
- 03
Step 3: The cups go on
Cups stay for about five to ten minutes. Tell us right away if the pull is too strong.
- 04
Step 4: We take them off
We lift the cups one at a time, check the skin and talk about what to expect over the next few days.
Tell us first
Say any of these when you book, and again at the visit.
Pregnancy
If you are or might be pregnant, some points are avoided, and your acupuncturist explains the risks.
Blood thinners or bleeding
If you take a blood thinner or bleed easily, bruising is more likely, and we plan around it.
Skin conditions
If you have a rash, broken skin or a sunburn, tell us. We skip those areas or choose another method.
Lymph nodes removed
If you have had lymph nodes removed, we avoid needles on that side.
Bleeding disorders
Tell us about any condition that affects clotting. We may skip some methods or choose fewer needles.
Worry about needles
Say so. We can start with other methods or go very slowly, and you can stop at any point.
How many visits, and what this does not do
Cupping is often done at the start of a visit, with or without needles. Your acupuncturist suggests how often to repeat it, and you can say no at any point.
What it does not do
Cupping does not replace your doctor's care, and the marks it leaves are not a sign of anything wrong or right. We do not promise a result.
When to see a doctor instead
See your doctor or an urgent care clinic first for chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, a sudden severe headache, or a fever with a stiff neck. In an emergency, call 911.