You may have seen the round marks on the backs and shoulders of athletes and wondered what they are. They come from cupping, one of the oldest therapies in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and one I use regularly at the clinic here in Alexandria.
What is cupping?
Cupping involves placing rounded cups on the skin and creating a gentle vacuum inside them. The suction draws the skin and the superficial layer of muscle upwards into the cup. Where massage presses down into the tissue, cupping lifts, which is why many people describe the sensation as a deep, releasing stretch rather than pressure.
Cupping has been practiced for thousands of years across China, the Middle East and Europe. In the clinic I use it on its own or alongside acupuncture, most often across the back, shoulders and neck.
What do the marks mean?
The circular marks are not bruises in the usual sense. In TCM understanding they show the release of stagnation from the muscle layer, and their colour gives the practitioner information: darker marks tend to appear over areas that have been tight or congested for a long time, while light pink marks fade within a day or two. Most marks resolve within 3 to 7 days.
What is cupping used for?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine cupping is traditionally used to relax tight muscles, support circulation in a congested area and as part of care at the first signs of a cold. Many of my patients find it a deeply relaxing addition to their treatment. Everyone is different, so whether cupping is appropriate for you is something we assess together at your appointment.
What does a session feel like?
- The cups stay on for around 5 to 10 minutes, or are glided over oiled skin as a moving massage.
- The suction feels like a firm, dull pull. It should never be painful, and the strength is adjusted for you.
- Afterwards most people feel loose and warm through the treated area.
If you are curious about cupping or wondering whether it could fit into your care, you are welcome to ask at your next visit or get in touch.
Any questions or to book in, feel free to contact Ahil at the Alexandria clinic on (02) 9341 5775 or by email at ahilnaturopath@gmail.com.
Ahil Naturopath/Acupuncture is a clinic located near Redfern, Alexandria and Waterloo. We also service areas across Sydney including Botany, Camperdown, Darlinghurst, Erskineville, Eveleigh, Mascot, Newtown, Rosebery, Surry Hills and Zetland.
We offer Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Cupping, Gua Sha (Scraping) and Moxibustion services in South-East, Eastern and Inner City of Sydney.