Imagine walking out of a treatment room with round marks on your back—almost like you lost a battle with a giant octopus. That’s not a special effect or a new fashion. It’s the result of cupping, an ancient technique that’s been used for thousands of years across the world. Whether you’ve seen athletes or celebrities sporting these marks, there’s more to this therapy than just its unique look.
Cupping uses suction from special cups to pull your skin upward, which draws blood to the area and may help ease muscle pain and tightness. It’s a simple idea, but people use it for many reasons, from reducing soreness to improving blood flow. Therapists place the cups on your skin for a few minutes, creating that signature temporary bruise. Lots of folks swear by it for quick pain relief, while the medical community is still looking into all the possible benefits.
Curious if cupping is right for you?
Curious if cupping is right for you? Book an appointment with the team at Richmond Steveston Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic and see what this ancient practice can do for your recovery!
How Cupping Works: Fundamentals and Types
Some athletes swear by cupping for muscle relief, with those round marks showing up even at the Olympics! Cupping isn’t just trendy—it’s rooted in centuries-old therapeutic technique and used worldwide. It may look old-school, but the science behind it involves your body’s natural responses to pressure, blood flow, and tissue healing.
Suction and Blood Flow
Cupping therapy starts with one core principle: suction. The therapist places cups—made of glass, silicone, or plastic—on your skin and uses either heat or a pump to remove air. This step creates negative pressure, or suction, so your skin and a bit of underlying tissue are gently pulled into the cup.
This vacuum effect has a real job. It draws blood toward the surface, and some researchers believe it may encourage new small blood vessels to form. After a session, you’ll often see round, bruise-like marks. These aren’t from broken skin—they’re from tiny blood vessels (capillaries) just under the skin breaking, much like a hickey. Some experts suggest that this increased blood flow helps carry away toxins and promotes healing in the area, but more studies are needed. For a deep dive on the mechanisms, Harvard Health explains the details on cupping.
Types: Dry Cupping and Wet Cupping
There are two main types of cupping: dry cupping and wet cupping.
Dry cupping is the one you see most often—therapists place cups on your skin, create suction, and leave them in place for a few minutes. You might feel a tightening sensation, but it shouldn’t hurt. This type is popular for relaxation, muscle tightness, and cupping massage.
Wet cupping, also known as hijama, takes things a step further. After a short dry cupping session, the therapist softly scratches or lightly punctures the skin under the cup. The cup is reapplied, and a small amount of blood is drawn out. This type is more traditional in some cultures. It may be used for what practitioners believe to be toxin removal, but safety is a key concern and only trained pros should do it. Learn more about how dry and wet cupping differ.
Silicone Cups and Other Equipment
You’ve got options when it comes to cupping therapy equipment, and each type changes your experience. The classics are glass cups, often heated before being applied to create a vacuum as the air inside cools. Plastic cups are also common and use hand pumps instead of heat to generate suction, which makes them quick and easy for many therapists.
Silicone cups offer a different twist—they’re flexible, so they can slide along your skin. This lets therapists do a cupping massage, moving the cups to target fascia and larger muscle groups. These sliding cups are often used for tight shoulder blades or back pain. There are also bamboo and ceramic cups in traditional settings, but these are rarer today. For more gear info and how each type is used, check out the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health’s overview of cupping equipment.
Therapeutic Benefits and Uses
Cupping isn’t just an old tradition. Olympic swimmers like Michael Phelps swear by it for recovery, showing real-life proof of its popularity! Fans of this alternative therapy often seek out its benefits for specific health needs, especially when other methods haven’t worked.
Pain Relief and Muscle Tension
Cupping is well-known for helping with pain relief and easing muscle tension. The suction created by the cups gently pulls your skin upward, which may loosen stiff muscles and connective tissue. Many people use cupping to manage chronic pain, such as back pain and neck pain, or even headaches and migraines.
For athletes, this therapy often speeds up muscle recovery after hard training or sports injuries. The relaxing pull can sometimes feel like a deep tissue massage, making it useful if you deal with sore spots from daily stress or overuse. People living with arthritis have also reported relief after cupping.
You might notice some redness or circular marks on your skin after a session. These are usually harmless and are part of the process, showing improved blood flow to treated areas. Many report immediate relaxation in the cupped spots.
Improved Circulation and Range of Motion
Cupping increases blood circulation where the cups are applied. This can be especially helpful if you want to improve your range of motion or support natural healing in specific areas of your body. It’s often used to support recovery after injuries by boosting oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues.
Better blood flow can also support healing of soft tissue injuries, including deep muscle strains. You may notice an improved stretch during your next workout or physical therapy session. This improved circulation is a key reason why cupping is popular with athletes and people seeking faster recovery.
If you often struggle with stiffness or limited movement, cupping could help you. Improved circulation is not only about recovery; it also supports the health of skin and connective tissue, making it a favorite for those trying to stay active as they age. For more on how cupping enhances blood flow, check out Healthline’s explanation of cupping benefits.
Detoxification and Relaxation
Cupping is sometimes chosen for its supposed detoxification effects. The idea is that increased blood flow helps your body naturally remove built-up toxins and waste products. Although scientific evidence is still limited, the post-session feeling for many is a sense of deep relaxation—almost like the stress has been taken out from under your skin!
Some cupping fans use this therapy to manage anxiety or stress. People who have acne, hives, or certain skin conditions have also tried it in hopes of reducing symptoms. The session itself can feel meditative, giving you a quiet moment to decompress. Others use cupping to support overall well-being—a different approach to stress reduction or even for fertility support.
A typical benefit noticed right after cupping is reduced muscle tightness and a light, refreshed feeling. For more on how cupping may aid stress and relaxation, visit the Cleveland Clinic’s cupping therapy guide.
Conclusion
“Cupping therapy dates back over 2,000 years, but people around the world are still using it today to help with pain and tight muscles.” That’s staying power! You could walk into a clinic right now and see those little cups in action—no time machine needed.
If you’re thinking of trying this technique, start by asking yourself what you want from the session. Do you want pain relief? Are you hoping for a bit of stress reduction? Maybe you’re just curious how it feels. It helps to set goals before you make an appointment.
Cupping: What You Need to Remember
- It involves using suction cups on your skin.
- Some people use it for aches, muscle tension, or even just to relax.
- Mild side effects like bruises may happen, but they usually go away.
Always check in with a healthcare professional before your first appointment. Some folks shouldn’t get cupping, especially if they have certain health concerns. Safety first!
Interested in seeing if cupping therapy could be a good fit for you? The team at Richmond Steveston Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic can answer your questions and help you decide on your next steps. Book a visit and see what cupping might offer you!