Cupping therapy has become one of the most talked-about wellness and pain-relief treatments worldwide. You may have seen round marks on athletes’ backs and shoulders — those are from cupping. Although it feels modern, cupping has roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Middle Eastern healing practices, now supported by growing clinical interest.
This guide explains cupping therapy in simple language — what it is, how it works, benefits, risks, types of cups, who should avoid it, and when to talk to a professional. If you are in Langley, Surrey, Abbotsford, or White Rock, you’ll also learn when cupping may be considered at physiotherapy and wellness clinics.
What is cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy is a manual therapy technique where a practitioner places special cups on your skin to create suction. This negative pressure gently lifts the skin and underlying tissues.
The suction may be created by:
heat (fire cupping)
a manual pump (dry cupping)
silicone compression and release
moving suction along tight muscles (gliding cupping)
The goal is not bruising — it is tissue decompression.
Key purposes include:
improving local circulation
releasing muscle tightness
reducing trigger points
supporting myofascial mobility
promoting relaxation
reducing pain perception
How does cupping therapy work?
When suction is created, the skin and underlying tissues are drawn upward. This creates mechanical tension across fascia and muscle.
This process may:
increase blood flow to the area
encourage lymphatic drainage
reduce muscle guarding
stimulate nerve receptors
reduce stiffness and adhesions
Expert insight
Cupping therapy does not “remove toxins” in a literal medical sense. Instead, it enhances circulation and tissue mobility, which can support your body’s natural healing response.
This is important medically — avoid clinics making unrealistic “detox cure” claims.
Types of cupping therapy
Different techniques are selected depending on your condition and comfort level.
1. Dry cupping (most common)
Cups are placed and left in one position for 5–15 minutes.
Used for:
muscle pain
tight back and shoulders
athletes
2. Wet cupping (Hijama)
Small superficial skin pricks are made before suction. This method should only be performed by medically trained professionals due to infection risk.
3. Fire cupping
Heat creates suction inside glass cups. This requires significant skill.
4. Silicone / massage cupping
Cups are moved over muscles using oil — also called gliding cupping. Great for:
fascia tightness
lymph movement
post-exercise soreness
5. Myofascial decompression
Used by physiotherapists and sports therapists combined with stretching and movement.
Conditions cupping therapy may help with
People seek cupping therapy for many musculoskeletal problems. Evidence is evolving, but users commonly report improvement with:
neck and shoulder pain
low back pain
muscle knots and trigger points
sports injuries
stiffness and limited motion
tension headaches
stress-related tight muscles
Some people also use cupping for:
fibromyalgia symptoms
chronic pain syndromes
post-workout recovery
posture-related pain from computer use
If you live in Langley, Surrey, White Rock, or Abbotsford, cupping is often combined with physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, or acupuncture.
What happens during a cupping therapy session?
A typical session looks like this:
Consultation and health history
Skin is cleaned and prepared
Cups are placed for 5–15 minutes
You may feel suction, pressure, and warmth
After removal, circular marks may appear
Therapist may add stretching or massage afterward
Does cupping hurt?
Most people feel:
deep pressure
stretching
mild warmth
It should not feel sharp or burning. If it does, tell your practitioner immediately.
Are cupping therapy marks bruises?
The round marks are not bruises in the traditional injury sense. They occur due to suction-related blood flow changes near the skin surface.
They usually:
look purple, red, or brown
fade in 3–10 days
are painless
Persistent pain or blistering is not normal and should be assessed.
Benefits of cupping therapy
People commonly report:
reduced muscle tightness
improved flexibility
decreased pain intensity
relaxation and better sleep
faster post-exercise recovery
Potential mechanisms include:
neuromodulation of pain
reduced trigger point sensitivity
improved local perfusion
myofascial mobility improvement
Professional Tip
Cupping therapy is most effective when combined with exercise therapy, stretching, ergonomic correction, and lifestyle changes rather than used alone.
Is cupping therapy safe?
For most healthy adults, cupping performed by trained professionals is generally considered safe.
Common temporary side effects include:
circular marks
mild soreness
warmth at the site
fatigue
Do NOT use cupping therapy if you have:
bleeding disorders
blood-thinning medications without medical clearance
active skin infection or rash
open wounds or burns
uncontrolled diabetes
severe varicose veins
pregnancy (abdominal cupping avoided)
Always consult your healthcare provider if you have chronic medical conditions.
Cupping therapy and athletes
Elite swimmers, runners, weightlifters, and martial artists use cupping to:
reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
keep tissue mobile
support recovery after training
It is often integrated with:
sports massage
physiotherapy
stretching programs
acupuncture
Cupping therapy vs massage — what’s the difference?
Massage compresses tissue.
Cupping decompresses tissue by lifting it upward.
Many therapists combine both for greater effect.
How many cupping sessions do you need?
This depends on:
condition severity
goals (relaxation vs chronic pain)
professional assessment
Common patterns:
acute tightness → 1–3 sessions
chronic pain → 4–8 sessions over several weeks
athletes → ongoing maintenance
Local relevance for Langley, Surrey, Abbotsford, and White Rock
In these communities, cupping therapy is commonly available at:
physiotherapy clinics
chiropractor clinics
wellness centers
acupuncture clinics
Many providers combine cupping with:
manual therapy
IMS or dry needling
exercise programs
Choose clinics staffed by registered therapists or licensed professionals.
People Also Ask – FAQ Section (Schema-ready answers)
What is cupping therapy used for?
Cupping therapy is used to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, relieve pain, and support tissue mobility. It is commonly applied for back pain, neck pain, shoulder tightness, and athletic recovery.
Does cupping therapy really work?
Many people report pain relief and improved mobility after cupping. Research suggests it may help with musculoskeletal pain and myofascial restrictions when performed by trained professionals.
How long do cupping marks last?
Cupping marks typically last 3–10 days and fade naturally. They are not bruises from injury but changes in superficial circulation caused by suction.
Is cupping therapy painful?
Most people feel pressure and stretching rather than pain. If cupping becomes painful or causes blistering, the session should be stopped.
Who should not get cupping therapy?
Cupping should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders, active skin infections, uncontrolled medical conditions, or who are pregnant (on the abdomen). Always consult a healthcare professional first.
How often should you do cupping?
Some people benefit from weekly sessions for several weeks; others use it occasionally for muscle tightness or sports recovery. Your therapist will recommend a plan.
Can cupping remove toxins?
Cupping does not medically “remove toxins.” Instead, it supports circulation, myofascial mobility, and relaxation — which may help the body’s natural healing processes.