Cupping Therapy

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is a traditional treatment method that has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine and other cultures. It involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which helps improve circulation, release muscle tension, and promote natural healing. Patients often describe the sensation as relaxing and deeply relieving, especially in areas of tightness or stiffness.

How Does Cupping Work?

During treatment, cups are placed on the skin and gentle suction is created. This draws the skin and underlying tissues upwards, stimulating blood flow to the area. The increased circulation can reduce muscle tightness, assist with recovery from physical activity, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Cupping may leave temporary circular marks on the skin where the cups were applied. These are not bruises but rather signs of increased blood flow, and usually fade within a few days.

Types of Cups Used

Our practitioners may use different types of cups depending on your needs and comfort:

• Silicone suction cups – soft and flexible, often used for a gentle approach and for moving cupping techniques.
• Glass fire cups – warmed briefly with a flame to create suction; commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for strong, deep stimulation.
• Plastic pump cups – use a manual suction pump for controlled pressure and adjustable intensity.

Your therapist will assess your condition and treatment goals, and select the type of cup (or combination) most suitable for you.

Who Provides Cupping at Our Clinic?

At our clinic, cupping therapy is performed by both:

• Qualified Acupuncturists – who may use cupping as a stand-alone service (no health fund rebates) or integrate it into an acupuncture session, where rebates may apply depending on your cover.
• Massage Therapists – who may use cupping as a stand-alone service (no health fund rebates) or include it within a remedial massage treatment, where rebates may apply depending on your cover.

This flexibility allows patients to experience the benefits of cupping either on its own or as part of a broader treatment plan.

Is Cupping Right for You?

Cupping therapy may be helpful if you experience:

• Muscle tightness or stiffness
• Sports or exercise recovery needs
• Localised pain or discomfort
• Stress and tension in the body

Our practitioners will discuss whether cupping is suitable for your needs and may combine it with other therapies for best results.

Health Fund Rebates

Please note that health fund rebates do not apply when cupping is booked as a stand-alone service. Rebates may apply when cupping is included as part of an acupuncture or remedial massage treatment, depending on your health fund and level of cover.

If you are suffering with any of these conditions, please call your nearest Chiropractic & Allied Health Clinic today (Revesby or Moorebank) to make your initial appointment, or click here to Book Online.