Cupping therapy might look a little strange at first—those round marks people get on their backs—but it’s actually one of the oldest healing techniques still in use today. And it’s not just a wellness trend. From traditional Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine to modern-day sports recovery, cupping has helped people relieve pain, reduce tension, and feel better in their bodies for thousands of years.
So, what’s the deal with cupping? Let’s break it down.
What Exactly Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping is a hands-on therapy that uses suction to lift your skin and tissues. It’s done using cups made from glass, plastic, or silicone. The therapist places these cups on areas of your body—usually your back or shoulders—and uses either heat or a pump to create suction. That suction draws blood to the surface, boosts circulation, and helps release tight muscles.
There are two main styles:
- Dry cupping: The most common method—just suction, no blood involved.
- Wet cupping (also called Hijama): A small amount of blood is released through tiny cuts before applying the suction. It’s believed to help with detox and inflammation.
Both types have benefits, and the right one depends on your goals and comfort level.
A Healing Practice With Ancient Roots
Cupping has been around for over 3,000 years. It shows up in old Egyptian texts, traditional Chinese medicine, and Islamic healing practices. Back then, it was used for everything from fevers and pain to digestive issues.
Today, it’s still widely used all over the world—including here in Surrey, South Surrey, and Langley—because people continue to get real results from it.
How Does Cupping Help the Body?
Even though it’s old-school, cupping makes a lot of sense when you think about what it’s doing:
- Boosts circulation: The suction brings fresh blood into the area, which helps speed up healing.
- Releases tight muscles: It loosens up tension in your back, neck, and shoulders, just like a deep tissue massage.
- Helps with drainage: It may support your lymphatic system, which is key for getting rid of waste in your body.
- Triggers your body’s healing process: The mild inflammation it causes tells your body to start repairing itself.
So whether you’ve got sore muscles, stiffness, or just want to feel a little lighter, cupping can help.
What Conditions Is Cupping Good For?
People turn to cupping for all kinds of issues. Some of the most common ones include:
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Tight shoulders or muscles from workouts
- Migraines and tension headaches
- Arthritis or joint discomfort
- Fatigue and burnout
- Stress and anxiety
- Poor circulation or cold hands/feet
Some also say it helps improve skin conditions like acne or eczema by improving blood flow, but results vary from person to person.
What Happens in a Cupping Session?
If you’ve never had cupping before, here’s what to expect:
- You’ll chat with the therapist first about your health history and what’s bothering you.
- They’ll clean your skin and place the cups on your body—usually on your back or shoulders.
- The cups stay on for about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your needs.
- Once removed, you might see round marks—these aren’t bruises, just signs that blood was brought to the surface. They usually fade within a week.
It’s not painful, though the sensation can be strange at first. Most people describe it as relaxing once they settle in.
Is Cupping Safe?
For most healthy adults, yes—it’s very safe when done by trained professionals. But, like anything, it’s not for everyone.
Some things to keep in mind:
- You may feel sore or have red marks after.
- Avoid cupping if you have open wounds, blood clotting issues, or are pregnant (especially around the belly or lower back).
- Wet cupping should always be done with strict hygiene to avoid infection.
When in doubt, talk to your doctor or physiotherapist before starting.
What Does the Research Say?
While not everything about cupping is backed by large studies yet, research does support some of its benefits—especially for muscle pain, joint stiffness, and overall relaxation. A lot of people report sleeping better, feeling less sore, and even getting fewer headaches after regular sessions.
It’s not magic, but for many, it’s a natural and gentle way to support their healing.
Why Athletes Love It
If you’ve ever seen those round purple marks on Olympic athletes or NBA players, that’s cupping! Athletes like Michael Phelps have used it to reduce soreness and recover faster between workouts. It helps loosen tight muscles and gets them back in the game quicker. But you don’t need to be a pro to feel the same benefits.
Is Cupping Right for You?
If you’re dealing with:
- A stiff or aching back
- Headaches or muscle tension
- Poor sleep or high stress
- Soreness after workouts
…cupping might be worth trying. It’s gentle, drug-free, and works well with other treatments like physiotherapy or massage.
Cupping Therapy Available in Surrey, South Surrey & Langley
Looking for a place to try cupping therapy? At Renew Physiotherapy, we offer cupping as part of our hands-on, personalized care. Whether you’re new to it or already a fan, we’ll make sure your session is comfortable and tailored to your needs.
We serve clients from Surrey, South Surrey, and Langley, and we’re proud to be known for:
- Friendly, experienced therapists
- Clean, welcoming clinic spaces
- Combining cupping with other proven treatments for better results
Ready to Feel Better?
We’d love to help you feel your best. Book a session at Renew Physiotherapy today and explore how cupping therapy can fit into your wellness routine. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with day-to-day aches, or just want to de-stress, cupping can help get you there—naturally and safely.