Chinese Cupping – What Is It and What Can You Expect During a Treatment?
What is Chinese cupping?
Chinese cupping, also known simply as cupping, is a traditional technique that uses suction. When a cup is placed on the skin, it gently lifts the skin and affects the tissues underneath.
The technique has been used for thousands of years in different traditions of bodywork.
Depending on the type of treatment, cups may remain in one place, be moved across the skin or used as part of a massage.
Today, cupping is used, among other things, as a form of bodywork focused on muscular tension and relaxation. Research into cupping suggests possible benefits for some types of pain, although scientific evidence for many other applications remains limited or inconclusive.
What does a cupping treatment involve?
The way a treatment is performed depends primarily on the type of treatment and the area being worked on.
At Yellow Lotus, dry cupping techniques are used, including silicone and glass cups. Cups may be placed on specific areas or used as part of a massage by gently moving them across the skin.
Cupping can be used on different areas of the body. Depending on individual needs, these may include the back, legs or buttocks. Cups can also be used during facial massage — at Yellow Lotus, they form part of selected Kobido rituals.
Is Chinese cupping painful?
The sensations experienced during a treatment are individual and can depend on the technique used, the level of suction and the sensitivity of each person.
During the treatment, you may feel a characteristic pulling sensation, pressure or tension in the skin. However, the treatment should not be performed with an intensity that causes unnecessary discomfort. The technique can be adjusted according to your individual sensations and tolerance.
Why does cupping leave marks?
This is one of the most common questions people have when experiencing cupping for the first time.
After cupping, round red, pink or purple marks may appear on the skin. They are a reaction to the suction and can look similar to bruises.
Their intensity and how long they remain visible vary from person to person. They usually gradually fade and disappear.
It is important to remember that the intensity of the marks is not a measure of how effective the treatment has been. They should also not be considered evidence of “toxins being removed” from the body.
Is cupping on the face the same as cupping on the body?
No. The type of cup, technique and way of working should be adapted to the specific area being treated.
Cups used during facial massage are smaller and allow for more precise work. At Yellow Lotus, facial cupping can be incorporated into selected Kobido rituals.
For body treatments, larger cups may be used, including silicone or plastic cups, depending on the type of treatment being performed. Cupping can also be incorporated into massage focused on areas where cellulite is visible.
Can cupping be combined with Kobido facial massage?
Yes. Cupping can be combined with Kobido facial massage as an additional element of the ritual.
At Yellow Lotus, selected treatments combine Kobido facial massage with Chinese facial cupping. This extends the traditional Kobido ritual with an additional technique of manual work with the skin.
How should you prepare for a cupping treatment?
There are a few simple things worth keeping in mind before your appointment.
It is not recommended to have a treatment immediately after eating — ideally, allow around two hours after a meal. Cupping should also not be performed after consuming alcohol.
Before your treatment, it is important to inform your practitioner about your current health, any medication you are taking and any relevant health or skin conditions. This helps determine whether the treatment is appropriate for you and how it should best be performed.
When is cupping not recommended?
Cupping is not suitable for everyone.
Contraindications include, among others, a fever above 38.5°C, wounds, skin infections, ulcers or burns in the treatment area, cancer, blood-clotting disorders, certain heart and circulatory conditions, the post-operative period, severe anaemia, and the first trimester of pregnancy or a high-risk pregnancy.
Extra caution is also required for older or weakened individuals.
If you are unsure whether cupping is appropriate for you, please let us know before your appointment. If necessary, it is advisable to discuss the possibility of having the treatment with your doctor beforehand.
Is Chinese cupping right for me?
Cupping may be an interesting form of bodywork if you are looking for a way to relax, release tension and take some time for yourself.
However, there is no single technique that is right for everyone. The type of cups used, the technique and the treatment area should be selected individually.
If you have never tried cupping before, you do not need to know exactly which type of treatment will be best for you. During your appointment, you can discuss your needs and expectations and choose the most appropriate approach.
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Chinese cupping is a traditional technique using suction that can be applied in different ways — from leaving cups in specific areas, to moving them across the skin, to incorporating them into cupping massage.
At Yellow Lotus, dry cupping is used both as part of selected Kobido rituals and in bodywork. Our range will also continue to grow with additional cupping massage treatments.
If you would like to discover this technique and explore how it could become part of your self-care routine, we welcome you to Yellow Lotus in Swords.
