Cupping Therapy: What Is It and How Can It Help Your Recovery?
By Jess Johns, Massage Therapist
You’ve probably seen those distinctive circular marks on athletes or celebrities and wondered, what on earth is that? That’s cupping therapy — an ancient healing practice that’s making a modern comeback. While it might look unusual, many people swear by its ability to ease muscle tension, boost recovery, and support overall wellness.
So, what exactly is cupping, and how can it help with injury recovery? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a traditional technique where special cups are placed on the skin to create suction. This suction gently draws the skin, fascia (connective tissue), and superficial muscle layers upward into the cup.
This process increases blood flow to the area, which is why you might notice temporary circular marks after a session. Don’t worry — these marks aren’t painful and usually fade within a few days.
A Quick Look Back: The Evolution of Cupping
Cupping has been practiced for thousands of years across many cultures, from traditional Chinese medicine to Middle Eastern healing. While once considered niche, it’s now more mainstream, especially in sports and recovery settings, thanks to research showing benefits for soft tissue healing and muscle recovery.
How Does Cupping Work?
Cupping is believed to activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. By improving circulation, easing muscle tension, and even calming the nervous system, it can play a supportive role in recovery.
Here are a few key ways cupping may help:
-
The suction boosts circulation in the targeted area, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the tissues while helping clear waste products. This may speed up recovery and tissue repair.
-
The pulling action of the cups helps relax tight muscles and fascia. Practitioners can also move the cups along specific fascial lines to release restrictions, improving mobility and reducing stiffness.
-
Cupping may trigger the release of endorphins — your body’s natural painkillers — which can promote relaxation and reduce pain perception.
-
While research is limited, cupping may help encourage lymphatic drainage, which supports the body’s natural detox processes.
Safety Considerations
When performed by a trained practitioner, cupping therapy is generally safe. But it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
It’s not suitable for everyone (e.g., those with certain skin or bleeding disorders, or during pregnancy without clearance).
Cups should always be sterile, and hygiene is essential.
Cupping is never applied over open wounds or sores.
Always consult with a qualified professional before starting cupping therapy to make sure it’s the right option for you.
Is Cupping Therapy Right for You?
Cupping therapy is more than just a wellness trend — it’s a natural, holistic way to support recovery, ease tension, and boost overall wellbeing. Whether you’re dealing with muscle tightness, recovering from an injury, or simply curious about alternative therapies, cupping may be worth exploring.
At Momentum Health & Chiro, we often use cupping alongside other evidence-based treatments like remedial massage, soft tissue therapy, and chiropractic care to get the best results for our patients.
