CUPPING THERAPY: BENEFITS, WHAT TO EXPECT, AND WHY IT WORKS

You’ve probably seen those circular marks on the backs of athletes, celebrities, or even a colleague at the gym and wondered what they were. The answer is cupping therapy—a centuries-old practice that’s now widely recognized in modern healthcare for its ability to ease muscle tension, improve circulation, and accelerate recovery. At Therapy X in Vancouver, our Registered Acupuncturist offers fire cupping along with cupping and gliding techniques to maximize the release and effectiveness of each treatment.

Here’s everything you need to know about cupping, why it works, and why it might be the missing piece in your wellness or recovery plan.

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy uses suction cups to gently lift the tissue, stimulate circulation, and release stubborn muscle tension. Unlike massage, which pushes into the body, cupping creates space by lifting, allowing blood flow and healing.

Our Registered Acupuncturist provides fire cupping—using glass cups and heat to create suction—as well as cupping with gliding, where the cups are moved smoothly along muscles with oil. This combination maximizes tissue release, reduces tension, and leaves clients feeling looser and lighter.

Fire Cupping vs. Other Types of Cupping

Not all cupping techniques are the same.Here’s how they compare:

  • Fire Cupping with Gliding: Glass cups plus heat for strong suction, with the option to glide the cups along muscles for an even deeper release.
  • Silicone or Pump Cupping: Uses flexible cups or hand pumps for lighter, more adjustable suction.
  • Stationary Cupping: Cups are left in one spot to target specific areas of tension.

By combining fire cupping and gliding, our Acupuncturist is able to tailor each treatment for maximum benefit.

At Therapy X, we offer all 3 types of cupping therapy! Your healthcare provider will be able to guide you properly after a thorough assessment on which type of cupping therapy is best suited for your body's needs.

Who Can Benefit From Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is versatile and helps a wide range of people:

  • Those with muscle pain or stiffness – Especially in the back, shoulders, and legs.
  • Desk-bound professionals – Release tension from long hours sitting at your desk.
  • Athletes and active individuals – Speed up recovery, reduce soreness, and improve performance.
  • People with chronic conditions – From headaches to stress to fatigue to chronic muscle tension.
  • Clients recovering from injury – Complements physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, fascial stretch therapy, and kinesiology.

Benefits of Cupping

Some of the most recognized cupping benefits include:

  • Increased circulation and faster tissue healing
  • Release of deep muscle and fascial tension and stiffness
  • Stress relief and overall relaxation
  • Improved recovery post-workout or injury
  • Headache, back pain, and neck pain relief
  • Enhanced flexibility and range of motion

Our clients often book cupping massage with gliding as part of their regular care routine—because it gets immediate and lasting results.

Side Effects and Risks of Cupping

Cupping is very safe when done by a trained professional, but here’s what to expect:

  • Temporary marks or bruising – The signature circles are harmless and fade within a week.
  • Mild soreness or tenderness – Similar to post-workout or deep massage soreness.
  • Occasional lightheadedness – More likely if you haven’t eaten or are dehydrated.

Cupping isn’t recommended on open wounds, inflamed skin, or for people on certain blood-thinning medications.

Why Cupping Works Best as Part of a Care Plan

Cupping therapy stands strong on its own, but it’s even more effective when part of a broader treatment plan. The release it provides makes physiotherapy, chiropractic, and massage sessions more impactful.

At Therapy X, our multidisciplinary healthcare team works collaboratively under one roof. It’s common for a client to see our Acupuncturist for cupping and gliding, then follow up with physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, or fascial stretch therapy. This approach means faster progress, more complete care, and the support of an entire team of experts—rather than just one.

Why Choose Therapy X for Cupping Therapy in Vancouver?

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Access to a fully stacked team of healthcare professionals—not just one practitioner.
  • Treatments that are designed to complement each other, so your recovery is faster and more effective.
  • We direct bill for acupuncture so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or out-of-pocket costs—all you need to focus on is your health, and we’ll handle the rest.
  • A clinic environment that’s professional yet warm—you’ll feel supported and cared for from the moment you walk in.

Ready to Try Cupping Therapy?

If you’ve been curious about cupping therapy, now’s the perfect time to experience it. Whether you’re working through pain, recovering from an injury, or simply want to move and feel better, our team is ready to help.

‍

Book your cupping therapy appointment today at our Vancouver location and let us handle the billing—your only job is to feel better.

‍

With care,

Therapy X Collective