Cupping
Glass cups create gentle suction on the skin with a brief flame – loosening the tissue, stimulating local circulation, and combining beautifully with massage.
In cupping, I place glass cups on the skin – usually on the back. The vacuum is created the classical way, with a brief flame that uses up the oxygen inside the glass; the glass itself only touches the skin warm, never hot. The tissue is lightly lifted, which helps release tension and stimulates local circulation.
In TCM, cupping is traditionally used to resolve stagnation and support the flow of qi. I often combine it with massage: in a cupping massage, the cups glide over oiled skin, joining the benefits of both methods in one treatment.
Like all TCM methods, cupping is traditionally used as a complementary therapy – it does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
Traditional application areas
- Muscular tension
- Back complaints
- Susceptibility to colds (traditional use)
- Muscular fatigue
Variants
Cupping massage
The cups are glided over oiled skin – an intensive combination of cupping and massage, especially soothing on the back.
