Cupping therapy has gained mainstream attention in recent years, particularly after Olympic athletes appeared with distinctive circular marks. But cupping has ancient roots and remains a popular treatment option for various conditions. At M.O. Therapy in Markham, we offer cupping as part of our comprehensive treatment approach.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Definition
Cupping is a therapeutic technique where special cups are placed on the skin to create suction. This suction lifts the tissue, increases blood flow, and creates a unique form of soft tissue release.
History
Ancient Practice:
- Used for thousands of years
- Origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Also used in Middle Eastern cultures
- Egyptian and Greek historical references
- Modern integration into massage and physiotherapy
Types of Cupping
Dry Cupping:
- Most common type
- Suction only
- No blood drawn
- Used in modern practice
Wet Cupping:
- Involves controlled bleeding
- Less common in Western practice
- Traditional practice
- Specific practitioners only
Fire Cupping:
- Traditional method
- Flame creates vacuum
- Glass cups
- Skilled technique required
Modern Cupping:
- Silicone cups (squeezable)
- Pump-activated plastic cups
- Safer and easier to control
- Most common in clinical settings
How Cupping Works
Mechanism of Action
Tissue Effects:
- Creates negative pressure (suction)
- Lifts superficial tissue
- Separates tissue layers
- Increases local blood flow
- Stretches fascia and muscle
Proposed Benefits:
- Increased circulation
- Myofascial release
- Reduced muscle tension
- Pain relief
- Improved range of motion
What Happens to Tissue
During Treatment:
- Cup creates suction
- Tissue lifts into cup
- Blood flow increases
- Superficial capillaries expand
- Tissue "decompression" occurs
After Treatment:
- Marks indicate blood flow changes
- Tissue continues to respond
- Improved mobility often noted
- Effects may build with sessions
The Cupping Marks
What They Are
Not Bruises:
- Result of capillary response
- Blood pooling in tissue
- Similar to hickey mechanism
- Different from bruise injury
What They Mean
Color Interpretation:
- Light pink: Minimal stagnation
- Red: Healthy response
- Dark red/purple: More chronic restriction
- Color varies by individual
Duration
Typically:
- Last 3-10 days
- Darker marks last longer
- Fade gradually
- No permanent marking
Conditions Treated
Musculoskeletal
Commonly Used For:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder tension
- Hip tightness
- Muscle strains
- General soreness
Athletic Recovery
Benefits For:
- Post-workout recovery
- Muscle fatigue
- Training-related tension
- Performance maintenance
- Competition preparation
Other Applications
May Help:
- Respiratory conditions (traditionally)
- Headaches
- Digestive issues (TCM approach)
- General wellness
What to Expect
Before Treatment
Preparation:
- Discuss goals with practitioner
- Review any contraindications
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Stay hydrated
During Treatment
The Process:
- Cups applied to clean, often oiled skin
- Suction created
- Cups left in place (stationary) or moved (sliding)
- Duration: 5-15 minutes typically
- Cups removed gently
Sensations:
- Pulling, stretching feeling
- Pressure sensation
- Usually comfortable
- Intense but not painful
- Communicate with practitioner
After Treatment
What to Expect:
- Marks on treated areas
- Possible mild soreness
- Increased mobility often
- Feeling of release
- Drink water
Cupping Techniques
Stationary Cupping
Method:
- Cups placed and left in position
- 5-15 minutes typically
- Multiple cups used
- Stronger tissue effect
Sliding/Moving Cupping
Method:
- Oil applied to skin
- Cup moved along tissue
- Like "reverse massage"
- Covers larger areas
- Often combined with stationary
Flash Cupping
Method:
- Quick on/off application
- Repeated suction
- Stimulating effect
- Lighter marks usually
Benefits and Evidence
Research Findings
Evidence Suggests:
- May reduce pain
- Helpful for myofascial release
- Improves range of motion
- Patient satisfaction high
- More research needed
Reported Benefits
Patients Report:
- Pain relief
- Muscle relaxation
- Improved mobility
- Recovery enhancement
- General wellbeing
Limitations
Important to Note:
- Research quality varies
- Placebo effect possible
- Not suitable for all conditions
- Individual responses vary
- Best as part of comprehensive care
Risks and Contraindications
Common Side Effects
Expected:
- Circular marks
- Mild soreness
- Temporary skin sensitivity
- Rare bruising
Risks
Possible But Uncommon:
- Burns (fire cupping)
- Skin injury
- Infection (if skin broken)
- Discomfort during treatment
Contraindications
Avoid Cupping If:
- Skin conditions in area
- Open wounds
- Sunburn
- Blood clotting disorders
- Taking blood thinners
- Over veins or arteries
- During acute inflammation
- Pregnancy (some areas)
Cupping vs. Other Treatments
Cupping vs. Massage
Cupping:
- Lifting/decompression
- Visible marks
- Specific suction effect
- Unique tissue response
Massage:
- Compression technique
- No visible marks
- Various techniques
- Different tissue effect
Often Combined:
- Complementary effects
- Different mechanisms
- Enhanced outcomes
- Used in same session
Cupping vs. Foam Rolling
Cupping:
- Practitioner-applied
- Decompression
- More targeted
- Professional treatment
Foam Rolling:
- Self-applied
- Compression
- General maintenance
- Home use
Cupping at M.O. Therapy
Our Approach
Integration:
- Part of comprehensive treatment
- Combined with massage/physio
- Tailored to your needs
- Evidence-informed practice
What We Offer
Services:
- Cupping with massage
- Cupping with physiotherapy
- Recovery sessions
- Various techniques available
Our Practitioners
Trained Professionals:
- Proper technique
- Safety focus
- Patient education
- Individualized care
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cupping hurt? Most people find cupping comfortable. You'll feel a pulling sensation that can be intense but shouldn't be painful. Communicate with your practitioner about pressure levels.
How long do the marks last? Typically 3-10 days, depending on the intensity and individual response. Darker marks last longer but fade gradually.
How often should I get cupping? This depends on your goals. Weekly sessions are common during active treatment, transitioning to monthly maintenance as needed.
Can I exercise after cupping? Light activity is usually fine. Some people prefer to rest the treated area for 24 hours. Discuss with your practitioner based on your treatment.
Is cupping safe? When performed by trained practitioners following proper protocols, cupping is generally safe. Contraindications should be observed, and sterile technique used.
Try Cupping Therapy
Curious about cupping? Our team at M.O. Therapy in Markham can help you determine if cupping is right for your needs.
Contact Us:
- Call (905) 201-5827
- Book online
- Direct billing available
Experience the benefits of this time-tested therapy with modern, evidence-informed practice.