Fire Cupping, also known as Cupping Therapy, is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique designed to eliminate blockages hindering the flow of Qi (pronounced ‘chi’) in the body.
During the session, therapists strategically place warm glass cups on specific acupuncture points along energy meridians. By warming the air within each cup, a vacuum is created, drawing the underlying tissue when applied to the skin. This process enhances blood circulation, loosens connective tissue, and triggers the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Comparable to deep tissue massage, Fire Cupping helps gradually break down residual scar tissue, alleviating pain in targeted areas. Cups are typically applied to the back, shoulders, neck, arms, legs, or other areas experiencing discomfort.
The duration of cup placement varies, lasting between five to twenty minutes, depending on the specific condition and the practitioner’s assessment of the most effective approach.
In certain cases, practitioners may incorporate additional techniques, such as sliding the cups along muscles to mimic a massaging action, or employing pop cupping to further enhance blood and Qi flow to the muscles. The cups are then gently removed by lifting one edge, allowing air to re-enter and breaking the vacuum seal. Experience the holistic benefits of Fire Cupping for improved well-being!
Is Fire Cupping Painful?
In general, fire cupping is highly therapeutic, and numerous individuals express that the process is calming, akin to a deep tissue massage. Despite the intimidating appearance of the red marks that linger post-session, cupping is not associated with pain, and the therapeutic relief experienced can endure for weeks.
What are the Potential Effects?
Fire cupping may result in temporary side effects, including circular bruising and varying levels of soreness depending on the suction intensity. These bruises typically subside within a few days or a couple of weeks.
During the session, some individuals may experience temporary discomfort as Qi is unblocked, and muscle and tissue are loosened. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such sensations are often viewed as positive outcomes, indicating the successful release of blocked Qi and toxins.
To ensure the safety of patients, practitioners always assess for bleeding disorders or skin conditions before initiating cupping sessions. Cupping is contraindicated for inflamed, infected, or burned skin, as well as for individuals with conditions like haemophilia or other bleeding disorders.
If you have concerns about how cupping therapy may affect specific conditions, we encourage you to schedule a free discovery call with one of our practitioners. This provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns and obtain personalised guidance.
Fire Cupping benefits
Like numerous alternative treatments, cupping initiates with localised pain relief and a sense of relaxation. Practitioners in traditional Chinese medicine employ cupping to enhance overall health and well-being by clearing Qi blockages in the body.
Cupping is known to boost blood circulation and alleviate pain, making it a popular choice among athletes and individuals with sports injuries.
Fire cupping can be beneficial for various conditions, and some of the most prevalent ones include:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- High blood pressure
- Migraines
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Varicose veins
and more!
Over the past few years, there has been a growing endorsement from the World Health Organization (WHO) for Traditional Chinese Medicine, which includes the practice of fire cupping. The increasing acknowledgment is attributed to its safety, minimal side effects, and the expanding body of evidence-based research that highlights numerous health benefits.
