Cupping has become popular in the media after celebrities and athletes like Gwyneth Paltrow and Michael Phelps were pictured with cupping marks.

Cupping involves the use of small cups that are heated or vacuumed and then placed onto the body to create a suction effect. There are different styles of cupping, and your practitioner will explain which method is best for your condition.

Cupping is often used to help:

• Stretch tight muscles
• Relieve soreness and stiffness
• Stimulate circulation
• Support recovery after strain or overuse
• Reduce stress held in the body

Cupping may be used for pain, stiffness, stress/emotional tension, migraines, rheumatism, and in some cases cosmetic concerns such as reducing the appearance of cellulite.

What to Expect

Cupping is not typically painful, but it can feel intense in areas of tightness. It is very common to have bruising or circular marks afterward. These marks are temporary and usually fade within several days.