What is Cupping? Ancient Therapy for Modern Pain

Introduction

Cupping therapy has captured global attention in recent years—especially in sports recovery and wellness circles. But this practice dates back over 2,000 years and is deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Once used to clear “wind” and promote Qi circulation, cupping has evolved into a trusted technique for treating pain, muscular tightness, inflammation, and emotional tension.

Cupping is integrated into modern treatment protocols to address back pain, migraines, menstrual cramps, anxiety, and more. This blog explores what cupping is, how it works in both ancient and modern contexts, its key benefits, types, safety considerations, and what patients can expect from a session.

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping involves placing round cups on the skin to create suction. This negative pressure lifts the tissue, drawing blood to the area, releasing tension, and encouraging detoxification.

Origins and History

• Practiced in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and China
• Found in early Chinese medical texts such as the Huangdi Neijing
• Traditionally used to treat wind invasions, colds, and Qi stagnation

How It Works (TCM View)

• Moves Qi and Blood
• Disperses wind, cold, and dampness
• Opens the pores and clears stagnation

“Cupping moves the stagnant blood and opens the channels, allowing Qi to flow freely.” — Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2021

How It Works (Western View)

• Increases local blood circulation
• Stimulates immune response and lymphatic flow
• Releases fascial restrictions
• Deactivates myofascial trigger points

Types of Cupping

1. Dry Cupping

• Most common method
• Uses glass, silicone, or plastic cups
• Cups are left in place for 5–15 minutes

2. Sliding Cupping

• Cups are moved over oiled skin
• Ideal for muscle tension and fascial release

3. Fire Cupping

• Traditional method using flame to create suction
• Stronger stimulation for cold and damp stagnation

4. Wet Cupping (Not used at Vital Duo)

• Involves pricking the skin before cupping
• Common in Middle Eastern medicine
• Not part of our TCM-based protocol for hygiene and safety reasons

What Conditions Can Cupping Treat?

Musculoskeletal Pain

• Back, neck, shoulder tension
• Sciatica and hip pain
• Post-exercise soreness

Headaches & Migraines

• Cupping along the upper back and neck improves blood flow
• Can release tension causing cervicogenic headaches

Respiratory Issues

• Asthma, coughs, bronchitis (when combined with acupuncture and herbs)

Menstrual Pain

• Lower back and abdominal cupping can relieve Qi and Blood stagnation

Stress & Anxiety

• Releases stored tension in the upper back (Bladder meridian)
• Calms the sympathetic nervous system

Harvard Osher Center for Integrative Medicine (2022): Cupping therapy produced a measurable drop in cortisol levels and increased vagal tone in stressed patients.

Cupping and Fascia: A Modern Understanding

Fascia is the connective tissue network that wraps every muscle, organ, and joint. Tight fascia restricts movement and contributes to pain.

Cupping:

• Lifts and decompresses fascial layers
• Improves fluid exchange and tissue oxygenation
• Breaks up adhesions and scar tissue

Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies (2021): Cupping improved myofascial glide and flexibility in postural strain patients.

Cupping in Sports and Recovery

Athletes use cupping to:

• Reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)
• Speed recovery time
• Improve range of motion

Seen on Olympic swimmers and pro athletes, cupping boosts circulation and clears lactic acid buildup.

Example:

• Shoulder cupping post-gym session = faster recovery and fewer aches

The TCM Theory Behind Cupping Points

In Chinese medicine, cupping is applied along the Bladder channel on the back, which intersects with:

• Lung (for immunity)
• Liver (for detoxification)
• Heart (for emotional stress)

Common points:

• BL13 (Lung Shu): Respiratory issues
• BL18 (Liver Shu): Stress, emotional release
• BL23 (Kidney Shu): Fatigue, lower back pain

Cupping over these areas helps regulate the associated organ systems and release tension stored along the spine.

What to Expect in a Cupping Session at Vital Duo

Step-by-Step:

• Consultation and TCM assessment
• Identification of tension zones and meridian patterns
• Light massage and application of oil (for sliding cupping)
• Placement of cups with manual or fire suction
• Relaxation for 10–15 minutes
• Gentle removal of cups and follow-up advice

Aftercare:

• Drink warm water
• Avoid wind or cold exposure on cupped areas
• Expect light purple marks that fade in 3–7 days

Safety, Myths, and Misconceptions

Is cupping painful?

• Most people describe it as deeply relaxing
• Some mild pulling or tingling is common

Are the marks bruises?

• No—they’re not true bruises
• They’re signs of blood being drawn to the surface

Is it safe for everyone?

• Not recommended for:
  • People on blood thinners
  • Pregnant women (certain points)
  • Broken or inflamed skin

British Acupuncture Council (2022): Cupping is safe and effective when performed by trained practitioners.

A Patient Story from Vital Duo

Client: Female, 37, graphic designer with chronic upper back tension and sleep issues

Complaint: Stiff shoulders, jaw tightness, tension headaches, restless sleep

Treatment Plan:

• Cupping once a week on upper back (BL13–BL18)
• Facial acupuncture for sleep and anxiety
• Herbal tea with Suan Zao Ren and Bai Zi Ren

Results after 2 sessions:

• Reduced shoulder tightness by 70%
• No more tension headaches
• Sleeping more deeply through the night

Cupping + Acupuncture: A Synergistic Approach

At Vital Duo, cupping is often paired with acupuncture to:

• Move Qi and Blood
• Address both root and branch of pain
• Regulate nervous system and hormone patterns

Sample Combo:

• Acupuncture: HT7, SP6, GB20
• Cupping: Upper back and trapezius

Final Thoughts

Cupping is more than a trend—it’s an ancient therapy with real, measurable benefits for pain relief, stress reduction, immune support, and fascia release.

Academic References

• Journal of Chinese Medicine. (2021). Cupping and Qi Flow Regulation
• Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies. (2021). Fascia, Cupping, and Myofascial Release
• Harvard Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. (2022). Cupping and Autonomic Nervous System Modulation
• British Acupuncture Council. (2022). Clinical Safety and Indications for Cupping