Overview
Cupping places glass, bamboo or silicone cups on the skin and creates suction inside them. The suction lifts skin and muscle and increases blood flow to the area.
The suction comes from a brief flame inside a glass cup or from a hand pump. Cups may stay in place or glide over oiled skin.
Why it’s done
Guests come to cupping for:
- Upper back and shoulder stiffness
- Muscle recovery after exercise
- Lower back pain
- Neck tension
Risks
Cupping is low risk. Possible effects include:
- Round marks that look like bruises and fade within a week
- Mild discomfort during the treatment
- Rarely, small blisters
- Have thin or fragile skin
- Take blood thinners
- Have a bleeding disorder
How you prepare
- Avoid sun on your back in the days before.
- Wear a top that is easy to remove, as your back will be uncovered.
What you can expect
Before the procedure
Your physician decides where the cups go and how strong the suction should be.
During the procedure
You lie face down. The cups rest on the skin for five to fifteen minutes. It feels like a deep pull, not pain.
After the procedure
Keep the area covered and warm, and avoid swimming that day.
Results
Many guests feel looser straight away. Cupping is usually one part of a wider plan, paired with acupuncture or tuina.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Every case is different. Our partner physicians advise what is right for you.
