Acupuncture in Rockville, MD: How It Helps Pain, Stress & Overall Wellness
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February 25, 2026Cupping therapy is becoming more popular among the wellness community and has recently gained notoriety by celebrities and elite athletes alike. They have the circular marks on their skin from cups, which has piqued curiosity about what cupping therapy does for the body, and if the claimed benefits will actually result from its use. What is cupping therapy? What does cupping therapy consist of? Why has cupping made a resurgence recently in today’s wellness culture? This article will give you the information you need on this very ancient practice.
What Is Cupping Therapy
Cupping has been used for thousands of years in Egypt, China and the Middle East as a natural method for treating aches and pains, inflammation, and other medical problems. In cupping therapy, specially designed containers known as “cups” are placed on a targeted area of skin in order to create suction by sucking out air from these cups. The cupping creates a negative pressure which will lift both skin and muscle up off of the bones beneath them. This “pulling up” of these two tissue types off of the bone allows for increased blood flow into that body part, thereby allowing for faster healing time, reduction in inflammation, and overall better physical performance after the use of this form of therapy. When the day after cupping has passed, the actual wound left behind by the suction in the form of cup shapes will be visible on your skin. These marks will usually last between 5 and 14 days before completely disappearing.
Modern Practice
Licensed healthcare providers such as acupuncturists, chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists are beginning to utilize cupping therapy as part of their treatment protocol. On average, a single session lasts between 15-30 minutes and typically is performed on the back, shoulders, neck, and/or limbs. For chronic conditions, it is advised to have weekly or biweekly appointments
What Does Cupping Therapy Do
Millions of people are turning to cupping therapy for its ability to create multiple physical reactions at once. Here are the ways it works:
1 Added Blood Flow: Cupping can greatly increase the amount of blood flowing to an area by delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removing waste products from the tissues while helping with a quicker repair to the tissues and producing a warm feeling for most patients.
2 Releasing Myofascial Tension: The connective tissues (fascia) that surround muscles can become very tight and cause restriction. Cupping pulls the layers of tissue apart to release any adhesions or knots and increase the mobility of the tissue. This process is similar to a deep tissue massage but uses pulling rather than pushing.
3 Pain Relief: Cupping helps relieve pain through activating pain relief mechanisms by activating the nerve fibers, encourages the release of the hormone endorphins (which is a natural pain reliever), and helps reduce the presence of chemical markers of inflammation in the body. This is likely why cup therapy is very effective at treating chronic pain problems.
4 Balance the Nervous system: Cupping activates the parasympathetic nervous system response or “rest and digest” to decrease levels of stress hormones, reduce blood pressure and heart rates, and create a deep state of relaxation comparable to meditation.
5 Removing Waste Products from the Body: Cupping helps stimulate the lymphatic system to help the body remove waste products from the cells and to remove toxins from the body, reduce swelling, and provide support for the immune system.
Types of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy has different types that each serve their individual purpose. Knowing the different methods can help you decide which method will work best for you.
1 Dry Cupping
This is the most commonly performed type of cupping and involves placing stationary cups on the skin for about 5 to 15 minutes. The cups can be made of glass, bamboo, and/or plastic and are attached to the skin using either heat (fire cupping) or mechanical pumps (suction) on specific acupressure points for 5 – 15 minutes at a time. This is a gentle and non-invasive treatment that is best for pursuing general pain relief, muscle tension relief, stress relief, and people who are new to cupping therapy.
2 Fire Cupping
This is a traditional type of cupping that uses fire to create a vacuum. The practitioner will place a cotton ball soaked in alcohol inside a glass cup and light it. The cup is placed against the skin directly after the flame has been extinguished. When the flame consumes all of the oxygen in the cup, it will create a strong vacuum (suction) between the skin and the bottom of the cup when the cup cools. If performed correctly, the flame will never actually touch the skin and will not cause burns to the skin.
3 Moving/Massage Cupping
This is a dynamic method of cupping therapy where the practitioner will apply the massage oil to the patient’s skin first and then apply the cups using moderate suction while also moving them along the patient’s muscle groups.
Getting Started with Cupping
Choosing an Acupuncturist
For your acupuncture needs, you want to consider either an acupuncturist with a license, a massage therapist who has received certification, chiropractic care covered by cupping, or physical therapy using cupping techniques; be sure to inquire about credentials, experience level, treatment protocols, cost of services, and insurance.
The First Visit – What to Expect
The first visit consists of obtaining your medical history, setting treatment goals, discussing how the process works, and signing an informed consent form. Once you are ready to receive the treatment, you will be positioned comfortably on the table for 10 to 30 minutes while the cups are applied. Pulling the cups could feel like a tightness; however, if it does not hurt, the cup will be safely removed. After your visit, it is important to drink water after your treatment and refrain from exercise for 24 hours or longer after use of the cups is complete.
Final Thoughts
Generally considered to be a safe, low-risk complementary therapy, cupping has moderate evidence to support its use for specific conditions, especially musculoskeletal pain. It is typically used in conjunction with a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that includes proper medical care, exercise, healthy eating habits, managing stress levels, and getting enough sleep.
If you are thinking about trying cupping, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor and make sure you are seeing someone qualified. Allow yourself to have at least 3-5 sessions so that you can give cupping an honest chance. Combine these sessions with other healthy activities for best results. The most beneficial results of cupping can occur when the procedure is performed by someone trained to do so, and when utilized as part of an overall wellness strategy.
