Cupping for Relaxation, Relief, and a Return to Balance
If you’ve seen round, bruise-like marks on someone’s back, they likely had cupping therapy. This traditional East Asian technique is known for being deeply relaxing and highly effective for pain relief.
What Is it?
Cupping is a suction-based therapy that improves circulation and releases tension. It draws blood to the surface, allowing fresh, oxygen-rich blood to flow into tight or painful areas. As a result, this helps support healing and reduce inflammation.
There are two main types:
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Fire cupping, which uses heat to create suction
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Air cupping, which uses a small pump to remove air from the cup
Because of the suction, cupping often leaves round marks that range from pink to deep purple. These are not painful and usually fade within a few days. In fact, many people describe the sensation as a reverse massage — deeply soothing and excellent for releasing built-up tension.
What Does it Treat?
Cupping is a versatile therapy used to address many conditions, including:
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Neck and back pain
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Headaches and migraines
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Menstrual cramps and PMS
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Stress and insomnia
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Digestive issues
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Chest congestion, asthma, and cough
In East Asian Medicine, it is especially useful for treating “stasis” — when energy or blood becomes stuck in the body. This often results in sharp, stabbing, or fixed pain. Moreover, the color of the marks can give insight into what’s going on internally. For example, darker marks indicate more stagnation or heat in the tissues.
Add it to Your Next Acupuncture Visit
At Glow, all of our acupuncturists are trained in this therapy. If you’re experiencing pain, tension, or stress, or if you’re simply curious, ask your provider about incorporating cupping into your treatment. It’s a safe, effective, and deeply restorative technique that complements acupuncture beautifully.
To learn more about the history and safety of cupping, see this article.