Have you ever experienced a stiff neck that made it difficult to turn your head without discomfort? Or back muscles so tight that even sitting became uncomfortable? Cupping therapy is a technique I often use in my practice in situations like these. It involves placing special cups on the skin and creating a gentle vacuum inside them. Unlike massage, which applies pressure to the tissues, cupping gently lifts them, creating a light pulling effect on the superficial tissues, including the fascia. An ancient practice with roots in several traditional medical systems, cupping therapy has been used for centuries and is now also widely employe
A Tradition Spanning Thousands of Years
Techniques based on the use of cups have been documented in many medical traditions throughout history. References can be found in Ancient Egypt, including the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest known medical texts, as well as in Greco-Roman medicine, Islamic medicine (where it is known as hijama and is still widely practised today), and Traditional Chinese Medicine, where cupping has been part of clinical practice for centuries. In Europe, the practice was preserved through medieval monasteries and later by barber-surgeons, remaining a common folk remedy in rural communities until relatively recent times. In recent decades, cupping therapy has experienced renewed interest, driven in part by growing attention to non-pharmacological approaches to chronic pain and its increasing popularity among athletes.
What Can Cupping Therapy Help With?
These are the situations in which people most often seek cupping therapy: musculoskeletal pain, muscle tension related to posture or stress, and recovery after physical exertion. In these contexts, cupping is used as a complementary therapy not as a substitute for medical care to promote comfort, encourage tissue relaxation, and support ease of movement.
Neck Tension
Hours spent in front of a screen, prolonged postures, and stress can leave your neck stiff and your shoulders feeling constantly tight. In these situations, I often use cupping therapy, as many people report feeling lighter, experiencing less muscle tension, and moving their neck more comfortably immediately after the session.
Lower Back Tension
When the lower back feels tight or fatigued, cupping therapy may help relieve muscle tension and make movement feel more comfortable. I often incorporate it into a broader treatment plan alongside movement, hydrotherapy, and, where appropriate, herbal medicine (phytotherapy).
Post-workout
After intense physical activity, muscles can feel sore, fatigued, and stiff. In these situations, I often use cupping therapy to support muscle recovery. Many people report a pleasant sense of relaxation and greater freedom of movement in the hours following treatment.
Stress
Stress often shows up physically as well, with tight shoulders, a stiff neck, and a persistent feeling of tension. In these situations, cupping therapy may help promote muscle relaxation while providing a valuable opportunity to slow down and unwind. Many people leave the session feeling more relaxed, lighter, and at greater ease.
Other Uses in Traditional Medicine
Fatigue and Low Energy
In Traditional European Natural Medicine (TENM), dynamic cupping where the cups are gently moved across the skin is traditionally used for people experiencing persistent fatigue or a sense of low vitality. It is regarded as a technique that may help stimulate superficial circulation and support the body's overall vitality.
Colds and Nasal Congestion
In Traditional European Natural Medicine (TENM), cupping therapy is traditionally applied to the back during the early stages of colds and similar respiratory complaints. The aim is to support respiratory well-being and encourage the body's natural recovery processes.
Slow digestion
For bloating, a feeling of heaviness after meals, or slow digestion, cupping therapy may, according to traditional practice, be incorporated into a broader treatment plan aimed at supporting healthy digestive function.
Calm and emotional wellbeing
For centuries, cupping therapy has also been used as a relaxation practice. Many people describe the treatment as a welcome opportunity to pause and unwind, helping to ease the physical tension that can build up throughout the day.
What to Expect During a Cupping Session
Every session begins with an assessment. I take the time to understand where you're experiencing pain or tension, when your symptoms began, and what you hope to achieve through treatment. This allows me to tailor the session to your individual needs.
Dynamic cupping
The cups are gently moved across the skin with the help of a small amount of oil. This stage helps prepare the tissues for treatment, promotes an initial sense of relaxation, and is often pleasant from the very first few minutes. The gentle gliding motion also engages the superficial fascia.
Static Cupping with a Hand Pump
When I want to focus on more specific areas, or when heat is not appropriate for example, in the presence of sensitive skin or fragile capillaries I use pump cups. The vacuum is created manually using a hand pump, allowing me to adjust the level of suction with precision and tailor the treatment to your comfort and needs.
Fire Cupping
In traditional fire cupping, the vacuum is created by briefly heating the air inside a glass cup before it is quickly placed on the skin. In addition to the effects of negative pressure, many people find the gentle warmth soothing and relaxing. In Traditional European Natural Medicine (TENM), this technique is traditionally chosen when a more warming and invigorating effect is desired.
When Cupping Therapy Is Not Recommended
Cupping therapy is not performed over open wounds, burns, skin infections, acute skin inflammation, or areas of active bleeding. It should also be avoided in cases of suspected or diagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or phlebitis, and directly over particularly fragile varicose veins. I do not apply cups directly over suspicious skin lesions, moles, the eyes, mucous membranes, or areas where skin sensation is significantly reduced.
An individual assessment is particularly important if you have:
- You are taking anticoagulant medication or have a bleeding disorder.
- Fragile skin or blood vessels.
- Fever, an acute infection, or significant general malaise.
- Pregnancy.
- Significant medical conditions or unstable health conditions.
If there is any uncertainty, treatment will be postponed until it is considered safe to proceed, or carried out in consultation with your doctor or other healthcare professional.
FAQ
Is cupping painful? In most cases, no. During treatment, you will feel a gentle pulling or suction sensation on the skin. Some people describe it as quite intense, but it is generally well tolerated. The level of suction is always adjusted to your individual comfort and sensitivity.
Does cupping leave visible marks? After treatment, it is normal for the characteristic circular marks left by the cups to remain temporarily on the skin. Their intensity and how long they last vary from person to person, and I will always explain what you can expect before your session.
How many sessions are necessary? It depends on the reason for treatment and your individual situation. In some cases, a single session may be enough to provide temporary relief, while in others, cupping therapy is incorporated into a broader naturopathic care plan
Is cupping therapy safe? Yes, when performed by a qualified practitioner following an appropriate assessment. Before every treatment, I assess your health and medical history to ensure cupping therapy is suitable for you and to identify any contraindications or situations requiring particular caution.
What should I expect after a cupping session? After a cupping session, it is possible for the characteristic circular marks left by the cups to remain temporarily on the skin. Many people feel relaxed after treatment, while others may experience mild tenderness in the treated area, similar to what you might feel after a deep massage. These are normal, temporary reactions, and I will explain what to expect before your treatment so you always feel informed and comfortable.
Does cupping therapy replace medical treatment? No. I consider cupping therapy a complementary technique that can be incorporated into a personalised treatment plan, but it does not replace a medical assessment or any treatment recommended by your doctor when needed.
Elisabetta Vivante — Naturopatia, Medicina Naturale Tradizionale Europea 📍 Online o in presenza, Corso Elvezia 22, Lugano 📞 +41 78 617 24 04 · 📧 info@studiodinaturopatialugano.ch
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