Cupping therapy at Feel Amazing Wellness Centre in Chatswood is used to help release muscle tension, improve circulation and support recovery from tight or restricted areas of the body. It involves placing specialised cups on the skin to create gentle suction over targeted areas.
At Feel Amazing, cupping may be incorporated into either remedial massage or acupuncture treatment depending on your needs and the practitioner you are seeing. Our massage therapists offer cupping as an add-on to remedial massage sessions, while our acupuncturist Sumin may incorporate cupping as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment where appropriate.
What is cupping therapy
Cupping therapy is a treatment technique that has been used in many cultures for hundreds of years, including within Traditional Chinese Medicine. The cups create suction on the skin, gently lifting the underlying tissues.
This suction may help reduce muscle tightness, encourage circulation and create a stretching effect through the soft tissues and fascia.
At Feel Amazing, cupping is most commonly used for muscle tightness and tension, sports recovery, neck, shoulder and back discomfort, areas of restricted movement, stress-related muscular tension, and general musculoskeletal discomfort. Depending on the treatment approach, cups may be left stationary or moved gently across the skin using massage oil.
Cupping with massage
Our massage therapists commonly use cupping alongside massage treatment to help release tight muscles, improve movement and work through areas of deeper tension. The suction from the cups may allow treatment of sensitive or restricted areas in a different way to hands-on pressure alone.
Cupping is often combined with remedial, sports and deep tissue massage techniques depending on your needs.
Cupping with acupuncture
As part of Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment, Sumin may incorporate cupping into acupuncture sessions where appropriate. Within TCM, cupping is traditionally used to support circulation and address patterns of tension and stagnation within the body.
Cupping may be used alongside acupuncture treatment for musculoskeletal discomfort, stress-related tension, respiratory concerns and general wellbeing support. Learn more about acupuncture at Feel Amazing.
What does cupping feel like
Most people describe cupping as an unusual but comfortable sensation of pulling or tightness on the skin. The pressure should feel manageable, and many people find the treatment deeply relaxing.
Some areas of the body may feel more sensitive than others, particularly where muscles are very tight or restricted. Your practitioner will always adjust the treatment based on your comfort level.
Will cupping leave marks
Cupping often leaves temporary circular marks on the skin where the cups were placed. These marks are not bruises caused by trauma, but a response to the suction drawing blood flow toward the surface tissues.
The colour and intensity of the marks varies between individuals and body areas. Some people develop very light marks, while others may have darker discolouration that can take several days to fade.
If you have an event, photoshoot or special occasion coming up, please let your practitioner know before treatment.
What to expect after cupping
After treatment, many people notice reduced muscle tension, improved movement and a sense of physical lightness.
Some mild soreness or tenderness can occur afterwards, particularly if the area treated was already tight or sensitive.
- Drink some water after treatment
- Avoid very hot showers immediately afterwards if the skin feels sensitive
- Gentle movement and stretching can help keep the area comfortable
- Let your practitioner know how your body responded at your next session
The marks left by cupping usually fade naturally over several days.
Is cupping suitable for everyone
Cupping may not be suitable for everyone. Treatment may need to be modified or avoided in certain situations, including during some stages of pregnancy, if you bruise very easily, if you have certain skin conditions or fragile skin, if you take blood thinning medication, or over open wounds or active skin irritation.
Your practitioner will discuss your health history, explain the treatment process and obtain your consent before cupping treatment begins.
Cupping therapy is provided by qualified practitioners at Feel Amazing Wellness Centre as part of musculoskeletal and Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment approaches. Your practitioner will discuss your health history, explain any relevant considerations and obtain your consent before treatment begins.
