Cupping Therapy
Cupping is an ancient technique from Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves placing small cups (made of glass, bamboo, or ceramic) on the skin, creating a controlled vacuum inside through suction.
This vacuum gently draws the skin and superficial tissue into the suction cup, stimulating blood circulation and energy (Qi) in the treated area.
It is currently one of the therapies most widely used by elite athletes, as this treatment helps accelerate muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and facilitating a full recovery.
At Kan&Li, we use cupping as a complementary tool during acupuncture sessions—typically when we detect blockages, stagnation of Qi and Blood (Xue), or deep muscle tension requiring more intense stimulation.
What are the benefits of this complementary treatment?
From the perspective of Chinese medicine, cupping therapy works primarily by unblocking and mobilizing. Pain, stiffness, or a sensation of “knots” usually indicates stagnation—meaning energy and blood are not circulating freely. The suction helps release this stagnation, draws fresh blood to the area, and encourages Qi to flow once again through the meridians.
In Western terms, the suction creates controlled hyperemia, which activates microcirculation, relaxes muscles, and stimulates local nerve receptors.
The result is a combination of effects: pain relief, muscle relaxation, reduced inflammation, and a sensation of “release” in the treated area.
Reduction in muscle stiffness
Temporary pain relief
Improved blood circulation
Greater range of motion
What a cupping session at Kan and Li is like
At our center, cupping therapy is always administered following a personalized diagnosis. Before applying the cups, we assess the individual’s general condition—checking for Qi or Blood deficiency, determining whether heat or cold predominates, and evaluating the patient’s constitution.
Depending on the specific case, we use different techniques:
- Stationary cupping: the cups are left in place for a few minutes over the specific point or area being treated.
- Gliding cupping: applied with oil and moved along the meridian; this is highly effective for releasing tension along entire pathways.
- Cupping with puncture: a more advanced technique combining a small puncture with suction, indicated for cases of deep-seated stagnation.
After the session, it is normal for reddish or purple circular marks to appear on the skin. These marks are not bruises in the conventional sense; they are visible signs of the released stagnation and will fade within a few days.
Cupping therapy is particularly useful for imbalances involving excess or stagnation—that is, conditions characterized by pain, tension, stiffness, or blockage.
Some examples of conditions where cupping yields excellent results include:
- Chronic muscle tightness and spasms, especially in the back and shoulders
- Lower back pain and sciatica
- Joint pain caused by cold or dampness
- Colds, persistent coughs, and respiratory issues
- Tension headaches
- Cellulite and fluid retention (as circulatory support)
- Physical fatigue and a sensation of heaviness in the body
Our customers' experiences
Frequently Asked Questions About Cupping Therapy
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The sensation upon applying the suction cups is one of pressure and firm suction, not sharp pain. In areas of high tension, the first few minutes may feel somewhat uncomfortable, but this quickly gives way to a sensation of warmth and relief.
Side effects are very rare when the technique is applied correctly: temporary redness, a slight mark on the skin, and occasionally a feeling of fleeting fatigue after the session—a sign that the body is rebalancing itself.
For individuals with very sensitive skin or fragile capillaries, those taking anticoagulants, or pregnant women, we always assess each case individually before application.
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Yes, and in fact, it is one of the most powerful combinations at Kan&Li. Cupping is typically used during the same acupuncture session—after the needles have been inserted—to reinforce the release of tension in areas where it is particularly high.
Acupuncture works with greater precision on specific points, whereas cupping provides a broader, more superficial stimulus. Together, they allow the imbalance to be addressed from two complementary perspectives: the point and the area, the specific and the general.
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Cupping therapy is particularly effective for treating imbalances associated with an excess or stagnation of energy, manifesting as pain, tension, stiffness, or a sensation of blockage in the body.
Some of the conditions for which cupping therapy can yield excellent results include:
- Muscle contractures and tension, especially in the back, neck, and shoulders.
- Lower back pain and sciatica.
- Joint discomfort related to cold or dampness.
- Colds, persistent coughs, and other respiratory conditions.
- Tension headaches.
- Cellulite and fluid retention, as a complementary treatment to promote circulation.
- Physical fatigue and a sensation of heaviness in the body.
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Results depend largely on the specific case and the individual. Based on the initial diagnosis, treatments will be adapted and personalized to address the deficiencies or issues identified.
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We generally recommend engaging in light activity, provided the treated individual wishes to do so. However, we advise against intense workouts—especially those involving the treated area—and suggest postponing such activity for 24–48 hours due to the area’s sensitivity.