What is Cupping?

One of the questions I get asked most often in my Sherwood Park acupuncture clinic is, "What's with the cups?" I mean, how can you not be curious when people leave the treatment room looking like they were attacked by an octopus?

Don't worry—there are no tentacles involved, and believe it or not, cupping therapy is incredibly relaxing and typically painless.
Cupping is one of my favourite therapies to combine with acupuncture treatments. I often describe it as a reverse massage. Instead of pushing down into the muscles, glass cups create a gentle vacuum that lifts the skin and underlying tissues. This helps improve circulation, release muscle tension, and encourage the body's natural healing processes.

When healthy blood flow increases to an area, nutrients and oxygen can be delivered more efficiently, helping tissues recover faster and reducing pain and inflammation.

But what about those marks?

The marks left behind by cupping are completely normal. While they may look similar to bruises, they're actually quite different. A bruise occurs when blood vessels are damaged and blood leaks into the surrounding tissue. With cupping, there is no tissue damage. The marks are simply the result of increased circulation being drawn to the surface.

The colour and intensity of the marks can vary depending on the person and the amount of stagnation or inflammation present in the tissues. They typically fade within 3–7 days.

If you're interested in learning more about cupping therapy or how acupuncture can help with pain, stress, injury recovery, and overall wellness, visit our booking page to explore treatment options.