What is Cupping?
Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that dates back thousands of years.
The practice of cupping involves the careful positioning of cups on the body by a certified Chinese medicine practitioner. These cups provide gentle suction to stimulate the fascia, or connective tissue. Cupping can increase blood flow, release muscle tension, and may promote healing.
About Cupping
According to traditional Chinese medicine, when qi (the body’s energy, pronounced ‘chee’) and blood are not flowing freely, pain and illness often arise. Cupping can help to restore this flow and alleviate pain and illness by promoting circulation to that specific area of the body. This in turn can clear blockages and encourage the flow and removal of toxins and waste products through the skin and lymphatic system.
Recent research shows that cupping therapy may be of benefit in the following ways:
- Relieves muscle and joint pain or stiffness
- Eases stress, fatigue, and tension
- Enhances overall circulation and wellbeing (1)
Ref: Zhang, Z., Pasapula, M., Wang, Z., Edwards, K., Norrish, A., The effectiveness of cupping therapy on low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials, Complementary Therapies in Medicine,
Volume 80, 2024, 103013, ISSN 0965-2299, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103013.
Cupping in a Treatment Session
At The Dispensary™, I often use cupping alongside acupuncture, moxibustion, or herbal medicine to complement treatment outcomes and support your holistic well-being. As your practitioner, in consultation with you, I may opt to use:
- Stationary cupping, where cups remain in place for several minutes to focus on a specific area, or
- Sliding cupping, where cups are gently moved across the skin using oil to provide a deep, relaxing massage effect.
Mild redness or circular marks often appear after cupping treatment. In fact, you might have seen photos of athletes who use cupping as part of their recovery process with these kinds of circles on their bodies. These circles are a normal part of cupping, as they indicate increased blood flow and the release of stagnation. The redness or marks will usually fade within a few days.
Safe and Professional Practice
The practice of cupping has grown significantly in Australia in recent years. In Australia, cupping must be performed by registered Chinese medicine practitioners who have been trained in safe, professional and hygienic techniques. At The Dispensary™, we use high-quality sterilised cups and maintain strict hygiene protocols to ensure comfort, hygiene, safety and optimal results.
Most people enjoy the experience of cupping as a deeply relaxing and restorative therapy. Additionally, it can have a powerful complementary effect alongside other traditional Chinese medicine treatments provided at The Dispensary™, as it can help to relieve pain and enhance blood circulation.
Contact The Dispensary™ to book your tailored treatment now.
Other Focus Treatments
Acupuncture
Stimulates specific points and meridians on the body to help relieve pain and restore balance.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Aims to restore internal harmony using medicinal herbs.
Moxibustion
Gentle heat therapy applied to acupuncture points and meridians.