Cupping

A natural TCM therapy to restore balance, improve circulation and support body recovery through targeted suction.

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What is this treatment?

Cupping is a physical therapy where specialized glass, silicone or plastic cups are placed on the skin to create a gentle vacuum suction.

In TCM terms, this suction lifts the tissue to help open the Meridians, stimulate the flow of local Qi and blood and pull deep-seated stagnation, cold or dampness out of the body.

Who is it for?

Cupping is highly effective for a variety of conditions, such as:

Pain or stiffness (especially chronic back, neck, and shoulder tension)
Heatiness
Stress / insomnia

Benefits of the treatment

Improves circulation / Qi flow deep within the muscles
Reduces pain or tension significantly
Promotes relaxation and recovery
Enhances immunity by drawing out metabolic waste and toxins

What to expect during the session?

Consultation: Pulse/tongue diagnosis (if applicable) to evaluate your current body constitution.
Assessment by practitioner: Examining the tight or painful areas to determine cup placement.
Treatment process explanation: Walking you through whether stationary cups or moving (sliding) cups will be used.
Duration: The session typically takes 5-15 minutes, though the cups remain on the skin for about 5–10 minutes.
Sensation during treatment: You will feel a firm pulling or stretching sensation, alongside mild soreness, warmth and relaxation.

Aftercare advice

What to do after treatment: Keep the cupped areas warm, covered and drink plenty of room-temperature or warm water to flush out toxins.
What to avoid: Cold drinks, late nights, heavy exercise, cold showers and direct drafts (like fan or air conditioning) on the treated skin for 2 hours after treatment
Expected reactions: Slight tiredness, a detox response and distinct circular marks on the skin (petechiae) that are painless and generally fade within 3 to 10 days.

Who should avoid this treatment (Precautions)?

Pregnant women (specifically on the abdomen and lower back)
Skin issues / infections (for external therapies, we avoid open wounds, burns, or severe rashes)
Patients with diabetes, bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medication should inform their practitioner before treatment
Any contraindications specific to modality (e.g., extreme fasting, severe exhaustion)

Treatment combinations

Can be combined with:

Herbal medicine
Acupuncture
Cupping / Gua Sha
Wellness packages (consist of the above TCM treatment)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the treatment painful?
No, it is generally not painful. It feels like a firm, deep tissue massage. Let the practitioner know if the suction feels too tight so they can adjust it.

How many sessions are needed?
This depends on your condition, but acute muscle tension often sees relief in 1 to 3 sessions.

Is it suitable for first-time TCM users?
Absolutely. It is one of the most popular introductory TCM treatments for those seeking relief from bodily stiffness.

Any side effects?
The most common “side effect” is the painless, discolored circular marks left on the skin. These are a normal, therapeutic release of stagnant blood and toxins, not bruises from trauma.