Cupping Therapy in Melbourne
A traditional Chinese medicine technique used to support circulation,
movement and musculoskeletal health
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a traditional therapeutic technique used within Chinese medicine in which specialised cups are placed on the body and gentle suction is created between the cup and the skin.
Unlike massage, which generally applies pressure into the tissues, cupping creates a lifting or decompressive force creating space between the muscles and fascia. Cups may remain stationary for a period of time or be gently moved across an area of the body depending on the purpose of treatment.
Cupping is commonly incorporated alongside acupuncture and other Chinese medicine techniques as part of an individualised treatment.
Cupping Through a Chinese Medicine Lens
From a Chinese medicine perspective, cupping is traditionally used to encourage the movement of Qi and Blood, open the channels and address areas of stagnation or restriction.
It is particularly associated with presentations involving muscular tightness, pain and tension, although traditional Chinese medicine has historically used cupping in a much broader range of circumstances.
The location, strength and duration of cupping are selected according to the individual rather than using the same approach for every person.
What Can Cupping Be Used For?
In contemporary practice, cupping is commonly incorporated into treatment for:
Muscular tension and tightness
Neck, shoulder and back discomfort
Musculoskeletal pain
Restricted movement
Recovery following physical activity
Areas of localised tension or restriction
Dysregulated nervous system
Cupping may be used alone or alongside acupuncture, Tui Na, Gua Sha and moxibustion depending on the individual’s presentation.
What Are the Marks Left by Cupping?
The circular marks sometimes associated with cupping are caused by the local effects of suction on the skin and superficial blood vessels. Their colour can vary considerably between individuals and between different areas of the body.
These marks are not necessarily bruises in the same way as those caused by an impact or injury, although small amounts of superficial bleeding beneath the skin can occur. Marks generally fade gradually over several days, although occasionally they may remain visible for longer.
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, practitioners have historically also observed differences in the colour and appearance of cupping marks as part of the overall clinical picture.
What to Expect
Cupping creates a distinctive pulling or stretching sensation over the area being treated. The strength of suction can be adjusted and treatment should remain tolerable.
Depending on your treatment, cups may be left in position or moved gently across the skin.
Because cupping can leave temporary circular marks, it is worth considering upcoming events or occasions where the treated area may be visible.
