Cupping Therapy: Ancient Healing for Modern Muscle Pain

Cupping therapy has been gaining attention in recent years, especially after elite athletes appeared at the Olympics with distinctive round marks on their skin. But cupping is far from new — it is a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been used for thousands of years.

At The Fixx Massage Therapy in South Etobicoke, our registered acupuncturist offers cupping therapy as both a standalone treatment and a complement to acupuncture and massage.

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction lifts the skin and underlying tissue, decompressing the fascia and muscles beneath. Unlike massage, which compresses tissue, cupping lifts and separates — making it uniquely effective for certain conditions.

Types of Cupping

Dry Cupping

The most common form, where cups are placed on the skin and left in position or moved across the tissue. The suction is created using a small pump or heat.

Sliding Cupping

Oil is applied to the skin, and the cups are moved along the muscle fibres. This combines the lifting effect of cupping with the gliding stroke of massage.

Flash Cupping

Cups are quickly applied and removed in rapid succession. This technique is used for stimulating blood flow and is gentler than static cupping.

How Cupping Works

When the cup creates suction, it:

• Lifts and separates tissue layers that may be stuck together
• Increases blood flow to the area, delivering oxygen and nutrients
• Draws stagnant blood and fluids to the surface, where they can be cleared by the lymphatic system
• Stimulates the nervous system, promoting relaxation and pain relief
• Releases tight fascia and muscle fibres

What Conditions Does Cupping Help?

Cupping is effective for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Muscle tension and pain
• Back and neck pain
• Shoulder tightness
• IT band syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis
• Headaches and migraines
• Stress and anxiety
• Digestive issues
• Respiratory conditions (when applied to the back)

What About the Marks?

One of the most common concerns about cupping is the circular marks it leaves on the skin. These are not bruises in the traditional sense — they are the result of stagnant blood and fluids being drawn to the surface.

The marks are typically not painful and fade within 3–10 days. Their colour can give your therapist information about the state of the tissue beneath: darker marks often indicate more stagnation in the area.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your acupuncturist will identify the areas needing treatment and apply cups to those points. You will feel a pulling or squeezing sensation, which most people find pleasant and deeply relaxing. The cups may be left in place for 5–15 minutes, or moved along the muscles if sliding cupping is being used.

Many patients report feeling immediate relief and a sense of lightness in the treated area. It is common to feel relaxed and even slightly tired after treatment.

Aftercare

• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
• Keep the cupped areas warm and covered
• Avoid cold exposure (swimming, cold showers) for a day
• The marks will fade on their own

Combining Cupping with Other Treatments

Cupping pairs beautifully with other treatments. It can be combined with:

• Acupuncture for a comprehensive TCM treatment
• Massage therapy to address both surface and deep tension
• Sound bath therapy for deep relaxation

If you are interested in cupping therapy in South Etobicoke, Long Branch, or Mimico, book a session with our registered acupuncturist today.