Cupping
Detoxify and ease muscle pain.
Cupping is a traditional Chinese medical practice in which specially made cups are placed on the skin and use negative pressure to draw the skin and surface muscle layers up into the cup. The result: better blood circulation, less muscular tension, and faster recovery from fatigue.
Fire Cupping
Cupping is a long-standing alternative medicine practice with a wide range of health benefits. By placing cups on the skin to create suction, traditional medicine holds that cupping promotes healing, increases blood flow, and relieves pain.
Evidence & Recognition
Why Even Olympic Champions Are Cupping
Cupping crossed into mainstream Western sports thanks to Michael Phelps at the 2016 Rio Olympics — those purple-red circles on his shoulders introduced the world to a TCM practice that's been around for more than 2,000 years.
Modern research now backs up the Olympic enthusiasm:
- Cupping can increase blood flow at the treated area by as much as 16.7 times the baseline, rushing oxygen and nutrients to muscles while flushing out metabolic waste.
- It's a form of myofascial decompression — by creating space between muscle layers, it can instantly relieve trigger-point pain and restore the gliding mechanics of fascia.
- A 2024 systematic review found cupping's pain-relief effect on chronic neck and lower-back pain to be comparable to manual therapy. Trials in athletes showed that, applied within 20 minutes post-workout, cupping reduced delayed-onset soreness and creatine kinase (a marker of muscle damage).
Good to know: those round marks left after cupping are visible signs of improved microcirculation and tissue metabolism — they fade on their own within 3–7 days. They are not bruises.
Packages & Pricing
Included in 60-min combo package paired with acupuncture (see acupuncture pricing above)
All prices in USD. See each row for what is included and insurance coverage.
Conditions This Treatment Addresses
⚠ Important Notes
- Avoid cold drafts, A/C blowing directly on the area, or cold-water exposure for 24 hours
- Contraindicated for patients with bleeding disorders or broken skin
- Not on the lower back or abdomen during pregnancy
Companion Therapies
How long has the pain been hanging on?
A 2-minute check on how pain is affecting you — and the way back.