Cups on the back
Cupping
Cupping sets glass or silicone cups on the skin for a few minutes. The light suction lifts the skin and the muscle underneath.
We place the cups on the back, shoulders or hips over a layer of oil, leave them for five to ten minutes and take them off. Some people have faint round marks for a few days. We never use fire near your hair or clothes, and we check the skin before and after.
Who usually comes
People with tight shoulders and upper backs
People who want a hands-on part of the plan
People whose acupuncture visits include a back treatment
What a visit is like
A visit, in order
A conversation, cups placed for five to ten minutes, a check of the skin, and often needles at the same visit.
What you may feel afterward
Faint round marks for a few days, mild tenderness, or a warm feeling in the area. The marks fade without treatment.
How many visits
Some people have cupping at every visit and some at a few. We suggest a plan at the first visit and change it as you go.
Before we start
Tell us first
Tell the front desk or your acupuncturist if any of these apply, before we begin and at any visit.
Pregnancy
Some points are avoided in pregnancy. Tell us if you are or might be pregnant.
Blood thinners or bleeding
Medicines that thin the blood, or a bleeding disorder, change how we place needles.
Lymph node removal
We avoid needles on the side of the body where lymph nodes were removed.
Skin that bruises easily
Tell us about easy bruising or a skin condition. We use gentler suction or skip it.
Sunburn or open skin
We don't place cups on broken, sunburned or inflamed skin.
Marks that matter to you
If you're going somewhere you'd rather not have marks, tell us when you book.
What it doesn't do, and when to see a doctor instead
Cupping doesn't replace a doctor's exam, and it can't tell you what's wrong. It won't change what an insurer decides about your claim. If you notice swelling, spreading redness or pain that gets worse, call us or see a doctor.
- A new numb or weak arm or leg
- A severe headache that came on suddenly
- Chest pain, or trouble breathing
- Loss of control of your bladder or bowels
- If any of these happen, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Ready to book?
Fees are explained on one page, with no surprises at the visit.