Where Does Cupping Come From?
Cupping is an ancient healing technique that originated in East Asia thousands of years ago. It is said to predate acupuncture, born from the Daoist mysteries and practiced as a form of alchemical wind-releasing, a way to draw out what no longer serves—from the sinews, the spirit, the blood.
Its earliest traces appear in the Bo Shu Silk Texts, hidden for centuries within the sealed Mawangdui tomb (168 B.C.E.)—one of the oldest medical manuscripts ever discovered.
In antiquity, practitioners used hollowed animal horns as sacred tools—vessels of reverence meant to extract “ghost wind,” or lingering pathogens believed to dwell in the flesh and marrow. These sacred tools have been unearthed in archaeological sites across northern China, Japan, and Korea.
The practice held esteem in the courts of Imperial China, where healers used it not only as physical remedy but as an energetic reset. By the time of Ge Hong, a 3rd-century Daoist alchemist and herbal sage, cupping had become a sacred emergency remedy, described in his Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies.
Later, in the Tang Dynasty (618–907), cupping became ritualized alongside acupuncture and moxibustion. It was used to draw illness from the lungs—the organs most closely tied to grief, spirit, and breath—and became a powerful ally in the treatment of pulmonary disease.
During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), the practice evolved. Horns were replaced with bamboo, glass, and porcelain cups. Flames or breath warmed the vessels, and the air inside contracted—creating a vacuum to seal the cup to the skin.
Cupping: Ancient Alchemy for the Body
Cupping is one of the oldest healing arts in East Asian medicine—an alchemical ritual rooted in Daoist philosophy and the search for harmony between the seen and unseen. Though widely associated with traditional Chinese medicine, cupping has deep, multicultural roots.
One of the oldest medical texts in existence, the Ebers Papyrus (circa 1550 B.C.E.), reveals that ancient Egyptians practiced bleeding cupping to treat a variety of conditions. From Egypt, the technique spread to ancient Greece, where it was championed by Hippocrates—the “father of medicine”—as a vital method for balancing the humors and cleansing the blood.
In the Indian subcontinent, traditional healers also incorporated cupping into Ayurveda and Siddha practices. Meanwhile, in the Arabian Desert, cupping—known as hijama—was widely used and revered. The Prophet Mohammed recommended it for treating diseases of the liver, spleen, lungs, and veins, particularly for conditions like pleurisy and cardiovascular imbalance.
Across continents and cultures, cupping has been recognized as a sacred and powerful tool—not only for physical healing but also for energetic renewal. Whether drawn from the Daoist classics, ancient Egyptian scrolls, or Islamic prophetic medicine, this ritual remains a living bridge between body, spirit, and tradition.
The Art and Alchemy of Cupping
Cupping as a Gateway: Restoring Flow, Releasing Stagnation
Cupping opens the body’s energetic channels, moves Qi and Blood, and clears stagnation—releasing what no longer serves. The suction gently lifts skin, fascia, and muscle into the cup, creating space in areas of tension and congestion.
This movement awakens circulation, flushing out cellular debris, toxins, and stagnant fluids while nourishing the tissue with oxygen and vital nutrients. As flow is restored, the body remembers how to heal—reducing pain, repairing tissue, and regenerating from within.
The Elemental Alchemy of Suction: How Cups Draw Energy to the Surface
In the traditional fire cupping method, flame is briefly introduced into a glass cup, warming the air and creating a vacuum. When placed on the skin, the air cools and contracts, anchoring the cup with gentle suction. Though fire is used, the cup itself stays cool—what you feel is a drawing inward, a pulling of tension and stagnation to the surface.
Modern cupping techniques achieve a similar vacuum effect with tools like silicone or pump-activated plastic cups. Whether ancient or modern, each method becomes a conduit for transformation—drawing deep imbalances into the light.
Releasing the Old: The Alchemical Difference Between Wet and Dry Cupping
Dry cupping lifts stagnation to the surface without piercing the skin—activating the lymphatic system, unraveling muscle knots, and loosening blocked energy held in the body’s deeper tissues.
Wet cupping, or bleeding cupping, offers a deeper purge. With a light scratch from a sterile lancet, a small amount of stagnant blood is drawn out—physically releasing congestion that may linger in varicose veins or densely blocked regions.
Cupping is widely used today to relieve muscle tension, joint pain, and inflammation. Because cups can be placed on key acupuncture points, the therapy also supports the treatment of respiratory issues, digestive imbalance, skin conditions, and other concerns commonly addressed in East Asian medicine.
Beyond the physical, cupping soothes the nervous system and helps release stagnant emotional energy. It invites the body to shed old patterns and return to a natural state of flow. As the cup seals to the skin, it opens a subtle portal—not just suction, but a gentle drawing out of old stories held in the tissues.
This ancient practice brings stagnation to the surface, restores circulation, clears energetic blockages, and reawakens the body’s innate self-healing wisdom.
What Does the Research Show?
While cupping is rooted in ancient healing traditions, modern science is beginning to catch up with what practitioners have known for centuries.
A 2012 review of 135 studies found that cupping therapy may be helpful for a range of conditions, including:
Shingles
Facial paralysis
Cough and dyspnea
Acne
Lumbar disc herniation
Cervical spondylosis
In addition, the British Cupping Society reports that cupping therapy is also used to support treatment of:
Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia
Rheumatic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia
Fertility and gynecological issues
Skin conditions including eczema and acne
High blood pressure
Migraines
Anxiety and depression
Bronchial congestion caused by allergies or asthma
Varicose veins
From pain relief to emotional balance, cupping continues to prove itself as a powerful ally in both ancient and modern medicine.
FAQs
How does cupping work?
Cups create a suction effect that lifts the fascia and muscle layers, allowing fresh blood and lymph to flow into areas that were previously tense, tight, or energetically blocked. Cupping works by:
Opening the channels
Moving Qi and Blood
Clearing stagnation
Releasing toxins
Nourishing cellular repair
What does cupping treat?
Cupping is commonly used to treat:
Muscle tension and joint pain
Neck, back, and shoulder issues
Respiratory conditions (like asthma, bronchitis, allergies)
Digestive concerns (like bloating or IBS)
Menstrual or hormonal imbalances
Skin conditions (like acne or eczema)
Stress, fatigue, and emotional stagnation
It’s also a beautiful support for general detox, immune system support, and rebalancing the body’s internal flow of energy.
Can cupping help with stress or anxiety?
Yes—very much so. Cupping calms the nervous system, helps regulate breath, and relaxes deeply held muscular tension. Many clients describe feeling emotionally lighter or mentally clearer after a session. It can help move "stuck" emotional energy and bring you back into flow.
Do I have to be sick to benefit from cupping?
Not at all. Cupping isn’t just for pain or illness—it’s a powerful tool for preventive care and energetic maintenance. It boosts circulation, clears blockages, and helps the body process physical and emotional tension. Many people receive cupping as part of their wellness routine to stay balanced and resilient.
Do you offer bleeding cupping (wet cupping)?
Typically, no. While bleeding cupping is a respected traditional technique—especially for treating varicose veins or deep blood stagnation—we are not equipped to manage the potential volume of blood safely in our clinical setting. All of our cupping is dry cupping and is still deeply effective for circulation, detox, and pain relief.
Is cupping covered by insurance?
Yes, in many cases! Cupping may be covered under your Physical Therapy (PT) benefits, which licensed acupuncturists can bill. Coverage varies by plan and may include a copay, deductible, or require authorization.
Some plans like UnitedHealthcare and OHP Open Card do not cover PT benefits. If not covered by insurance, you can still choose to enhance your session with:
Cupping therapy
Hands-on bodywork
Manual techniques
Just let us know you'd like to include these when you book or check in!
What if I’m sensitive or neurodivergent?
We understand that everyone experiences their body differently, and we deeply value creating a space that feels safe and welcoming to all nervous systems.
If you are sensitive to touch, pressure, sound, or sensory input—or if you're neurodivergent and have specific preferences around communication, stimulation, or physical boundaries—please let us know. Cupping treatments can be easily adapted to feel gentler, slower, quieter, or more structured based on what helps you feel grounded and comfortable.
Whether that means:
Lower suction levels
Fewer cups
Extra time for explanation or preparation
Custom music (or silence)
Dimmed lighting
Using silicone instead of glass cups
— we’re happy to tailor your session to support your needs.
You're always welcome to bring headphones, a weighted blanket, or anything that helps you feel at ease. This is your time. You're in control, and we’re here to collaborate with you every step of the way.
What does cupping feel like?
Cupping is deeply relaxing. It feels like a gentle upward massage—the cups create suction that lifts the tissue rather than pressing down. Most people find it calming and comforting.
What happens during a session?
Cups are placed on your skin to create suction. They may be left in place or moved across muscles with oil. It’s common for the skin to turn pink, red, or purple in treated areas. These marks are temporary and typically fade within a few days to two weeks.
Cupping or hands-on bodywork can be added to any session for a small additional fee, usually extending your visit by about 15 minutes.
What are the marks from cupping?
Cupping can leave round, painless marks where the cups were placed. These are not bruises—they’re a sign of increased blood flow and release of stagnation. The color and darkness vary depending on how much stagnation is present.
Can cupping be uncomfortable?
Cupping is generally very comfortable. If you’re sensitive to pressure or have had discomfort with cupping in the past, let your practitioner know. Treatments can always be made gentler without sacrificing effectiveness.
How should I feel after cupping?
Most people feel relaxed, lighter, and more open—physically and emotionally. Some may feel tired or spacey right after, which is normal and usually passes within a few hours. A warm bath, rest, and hydration can support your post-session recovery.
Can I work out after a cupping session?
It’s best to avoid intense workouts right after your treatment. Cupping opens the channels and activates deep tissue repair—your body needs time to integrate the benefits. Gentle movement like walking, stretching, or yoga is encouraged, but save vigorous activity for the next day if possible.
How should I prepare for a cupping session?
Make sure you're well-hydrated and have eaten a light meal or snack within a few hours of your session. Hydration softens the muscles and supports circulation, making treatment more effective. Avoid arriving on an empty stomach.
Will I feel sore afterward?
Some people feel relaxed and energized, while others may feel tired or mildly sore the next day—similar to how you might feel after a deep tissue massage. This is normal and passes quickly.
If you feel sore or have dark marks:
Apply arnica cream, pain relief balm, or massage oil
Use a heating pad or hot water bottle to relax the muscles
What is cupping aftercare?
Drink water!
Cupping releases toxins and metabolic waste stored in tight muscles. Drinking water helps flush these out and rehydrate your body.
Move gently
Avoid intense exercise right after your session. Instead, try gentle walking, stretching, or yoga to support circulation and integration.
Stay warm + avoid wind
Your pores and energetic channels are more open after cupping. Avoid sitting in front of fans, wind, or cold environments to prevent stiffness and energetic disruption.
Don’t get cold + wet
Wait until the next day to swim. Water + chill can interfere with the body’s post-cupping healing process. If you need to shower, make sure to use hot water only, then dry off and get dressed immediately.
Are there any side effects?
Most people feel relaxed and refreshed after cupping. Some may experience mild soreness or fatigue, similar to post-workout muscle fatigue. Cupping often leaves circular marks ranging in color from pink to dark purple—these are not bruises but a sign of circulation and stagnation being drawn out. They usually fade in a few days to two weeks. Occasionally, small, painless water blisters may appear—this is rare and harmless. Always let your practitioner know how your body responds so we can adjust treatment to suit your needs.
Can I receive cupping if I’m pregnant?
Yes—with caution. Cupping can be safely used during pregnancy by trained practitioners. However, it is never performed over the abdomen, lower back, or specific contraindicated acupuncture points. We tailor your session to be safe, gentle, and nourishing at every stage of pregnancy. Please let us know if you’re expecting!
Who should avoid cupping?
Cupping is not recommended for:
Children under 4
Frail or elderly patients with delicate skin
People taking blood thinners
Avoid cupping on:
Sunburns
Rashes or wounds
Fresh tattoos
References
Fruehauf H. The Ancient Chinese Holomap of the Body: Exploring the Mystery of the Acupuncture Point Names. ClassicalChineseMedicine.org. Published 2016. Accessed August 29, 2021. https://classicalchinesemedicine.org/ancient-chinese-holomap-body-exploring-mystery-acupuncturepoint-names/
Hammer L. A Discussion of Terrain, Stress, Root and Vulnerability within Chinese Medicine. © Chinese Medicine Times. 2010;5. Accessed July 16, 2021. https://www.dragonrises.edu/wp-content/ themes/dragon/downloads/articles/A-Discussion-of-Terrain-Stress-Root-and Vulnerability-within-Chinese-Medicine.pdf
Hammer L. Dragon Rises, Red Bird Flies : Psychology & Chinese Medicine. Eastland Press; 2010.
Heiner Fruehauf. The Organ Networks of Chinese Medicine : A Reference Guide of Cosmology, Symbolism and Diagnostic Approaches. Hai Shan Press; 2015.
Heiner Fruehauf. Chinese Medicine Holomap with the 28 Stellar Constellations. ClassicalChineseMedicine.org. Published October 31, 2013. Accessed July 31, 2025. https://classicalchinesemedicine.org/chinese-medicine-holomap-28-stellar-constellations/
Heiner F. Contemplating the Concept of the Centre in Chinese Medicine: Theoretical and Practical Considerations. Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2019;120(2):66-73.