Cupping is a TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) therapeutic technique that involves placing cups on the skin to create a vacuum seal. The suction created by the cups draws the skin and superficial muscle layer into the cup, promoting blood circulation, and stimulating natural healing processes. Traditionally, cupping was done using glass or bamboo cups; modern cupping may also involve silicone cups.

Cupping is embraced for its ability to promote circulation, relieve tension, and stimulate the body’s natural healing responses. Cupping is not only a therapeutic treatment but also a holistic experience that aligns with our commitment to fostering overall well-being. Whether you seek relief from musculoskeletal issues or wish to bring back internal balance, cupping therapy can offer a gentle and effective approach.

Cupping works by creating suction on the skin’s surface, which draws underlying tissues upward into the cup. This suction stimulates blood flow, releases fascial restrictions, and encourages the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins. The combination of these effects promotes relaxation, reduces muscle tension, and enhances the body’s ability to heal itself.

Cupping therapy is known for addressing a variety of conditions, including:

• Muscle Tension and Stiffness:  Cupping helps release tight muscles, reducing tension and improving flexibility. Cupping therapy has been used for the alleviation of muscle soreness in athletes. Cupping therapy can decrease muscle stiffness under appropriate cupping intensities that may improve sports performance and reduce muscle fatigue and soreness.^[1]
• Pain Management:  Cupping is utilized to alleviate pain associated with conditions like back pain, neck pain, and migraines. Cupping therapy is a complimentary type of therapy that is widely used all over the world for the treatment of chronic medical problems such as low back pain, neck pain, arthritis, post-herpetic neuralgia, carpel tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia; especially for pain-related conditions.^[2]
• Respiratory Issues:  Cupping may aid in addressing respiratory conditions such as cold, fever, asthma, and bronchitis by promoting better airflow and reducing inflammation. Cupping therapy can be helpful for those suffering from breathing problems as it improves better functioning of the lungs. It is a way to help with respiratory diseases like chronic cough, asthma, pleurisy, and bronchial congestion. It works as the negative pressure created via vacuum suction helps to loosen fluids and congestion from the lungs so that the body can expel them safely. It also induces the body parts to react against the congestion.^[3]
• Digestive Disorders: Cupping therapy can be beneficial for certain digestive issues, including bloating and indigestion. Cupping is believed to work by increasing blood flow to the area being treated, which may help promote healing and reduce inflammation. Cupping may help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating and constipation.^[4]
• Inflammation:  Cupping helps reduce inflammation in specific areas of the body, providing relief from conditions like arthritis, cancer, and other chronic problems.^[5]

• Improved Blood Circulation:  Cupping enhances blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and promoting overall circulatory health. Suction from cupping draws fluid into the treated area. This suction force expands and breaks open tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under your skin. Your body replenishes the cupped areas with healthier blood flow and stimulates proper and normal healing at a cellular level.
• Muscle Relaxation:  Cupping helps release muscle tension, promoting relaxation and reducing stiffness. Cupping provides a gentle sustained stretch for loosening tight muscles and connective tissue adhesions. It also clears “heat” or inflammation. Cupping is traditionally used at the base of the neck for common colds and fevers.
• Detoxification: The suction effect of cupping encourages the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins, supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. Cupping can aid in detoxification by helping to pull out accumulated waste products such as heavy metals and toxins from our cells and tissues. This helps improve circulation, allowing oxygen-rich blood to flow freely throughout your body.
• Pain Relief:  Cupping therapy can provide relief from various types of pain, including musculoskeletal pain and headaches. Cupping relieves pain, reduces scar tissue deep within muscles and connective tissues, and decreases swelling and muscle knots.
• Stress Reduction:  Cupping promotes relaxation and can contribute to a sense of well-being, helping alleviate stress and anxiety. Cupping therapy induces a deep sense of relaxation. It triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” response in the body. As a result, it can quickly reduce stress and anxiety, leaving you feeling more calm and centered.

Pain relief is a significant benefit of cupping therapy. The suction created by the cups helps alleviate muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the release of endorphins – the body’s natural pain relievers. Individuals seeking relief from chronic pain or acute discomfort can find comfort in the pain-relieving effects of cupping at Happipuncture.

Selecting the right clinic for cupping therapy is crucial for a positive and effective experience, and Happipuncture Clinic stands as a trusted clinic in NZ for your holistic healing journey. Here’s why:

• Qualified Practitioners: At Happipuncture, our team comprises licensed and experienced practitioners with specialized expertise in cupping therapy.
• Holistic Healing Environment: We prioritize your well-being and provide a tranquil space for rejuvenation.
• Positive Client Experiences: Our clients’ positive reviews and testimonials keep motivating us to become better and better.
• Personalized Consultations: At Happipuncture, we offer personalized consultations to understand your unique concerns and tailor treatments accordingly.
• Transparent Communication: Experience clear and transparent communication at Happipuncture, where we provide detailed information regarding treatment procedures, expected outcomes, and potential benefits.

Whether you seek relief from muscle tension, and pain, or wish to enhance your overall well-being, join us in the pursuit of balance and rejuvenation at Happipuncture.

[1] Hou X, Wang X, Griffin L, Liao F, Peters J, Jan YK. Immediate and Delayed Effects of Cupping Therapy on Reducing Neuromuscular Fatigue. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2021 Jul 1; 9:678153. 

[2] Shen WC, Jan YK, Liau BY, Lin Q, Wang S, Tai CC, Lung CW. Effectiveness of self-management of dry and wet cupping therapy for low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Dec 23; 101(51):e32325.

[3] Xu Y, Cui ST, Bai LY, Yang JJ, Li J, Xie TL, Zhang YL, Wang D, Wu S, Wang ZT, Sun LP. [Cupping treatment combined with antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia in children: a randomized controlled trial]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2021 Mar 12; 41(3):283-7. Chinese.

[4] Wang PX, Li XM, Zhang L. [Moving cupping on abdomen for functional constipation]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2012 Aug; 32(8):712. 

[5] Abbasi N, Najafi R. Cupping Therapy as an Anti-inflammation Therapy and Immunomodulator in Cancer Patients. J Gastrointest Cancer. 2023 Mar; 54(1):3-5.