Cupping involves a firm suction sensation that can feel intense in areas of significant tension. Most patients find it deeply relaxing and relieving once they settle in. Your practitioner adjusts the strength of suction throughout the treatment based on your feedback and tissue response.

What are the marks left after cupping?

The circular marks are caused by suction drawing blood to the surface and opening small capillaries beneath the skin. They are not bruises and do not involve the same tissue damage. The color, ranging from pink to deep purple, reflects the degree of stagnation in the tissue. They typically resolve within 3–7 days.

Is fire cupping dangerous?

No. The flame used in fire cupping heats the air inside the glass cup to create a vacuum; it is removed before the cup ever touches the skin. The fire is a tool for creating suction, not for applying heat directly. When performed by a trained practitioner, fire cupping is safe and well tolerated.

Can I book cupping as a standalone treatment?

Cupping at Point Acupuncture is performed as part of an acupuncture treatment. It is incorporated where clinically appropriate, not as a separate appointment. If you're specifically interested in cupping, mention it when booking.

Will cupping marks show if I have an event or vacation coming up?

Marks from body cupping can last 3–7 days depending on the degree of stagnation. If you have an event where you'd prefer not to have visible marks, let your practitioner know in advance and she can plan accordingly or avoid areas that will be exposed. Facial cupping leaves no marks.

Is cupping safe for everyone?

Cupping is safe for most people but is not appropriate for areas of broken skin, active inflammation, or certain health conditions. Your practitioner will assess suitability before treatment.

Cupping Therapy in Portland, Maine

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine technique in which cups are placed on the skin and a vacuum is created, drawing the skin and superficial muscle layer upward into the cup. The suction decompresses the underlying tissue, creating the opposite mechanical action of massage (which applies downward pressure), making it uniquely effective for releasing deep tension and adhesions. Used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, cupping promotes the movement of qi and blood through the body, clears stagnation, and supports healing. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) provides an overview of cupping research and safety.

At Point Acupuncture, cupping is performed as part of an acupuncture treatment using silicone or glass cups for body treatments and specialized professional cups for facial treatments. Patients seeking cupping therapy in Portland, Maine will find it woven into treatments where clinically appropriate, available in dry, sliding, fire, and facial variations depending on your treatment goals.

Types of Cupping at Point Acupuncture

Dry Cupping

Cups are placed on the skin and left stationary for several minutes. The sustained suction draws blood to the surface, decompresses tissue, and promotes circulation. Used for localized pain, tightness, and areas of significant stagnation.

Sliding Cupping

Oil is applied to the skin and cups are moved along the surface in long gliding strokes, combining the decompressive effect of cupping with the coverage of massage. Particularly effective for broad areas of tension such as the upper back, lower back, and along the spine. Produces a deep warming sensation and immediate release of muscle tightness.

Fire Cupping

Fire cupping is the traditional Chinese method. A flame is used to quickly create a vacuum inside a cup, so that when placed on the skin, it draws the tissue upward. The result is a deep, decompression that opens circulation and releases tension in the underlying muscle. The flame never touches the skin.

Facial Cupping

Professional cups specifically designed for the face are used during facial acupuncture sessions. Gentle suction stimulates microcirculation, promotes lymphatic drainage, lifts facial tissue, and releases tension. The delicate technique used in facial cupping does not leave lasting redness or discoloration.

What To Expect During a Cupping Treatment

Cupping is incorporated into your acupuncture treatment, not a separate appointment. Let your practitioner know if you're particularly interested in cupping when you book. Depending on your presentation, your practitioner may use stationary dry cups, sliding cupping, or fire cupping during your treatment.

Cups are typically placed on the upper back, lower back, shoulders, or along specific meridian pathways depending on your treatment goals. The sensation is a firm pulling or pressure; most patients find it deeply relaxing once they adjust to the initial sensation. Plan for visible marks on treated areas for up to a week.

Understanding Cupping Marks

the circular marks left after cupping are a normal and expected result of treatment. They are caused by the suction drawing blood to the surface and breaking open small capillaries beneath the skin, a similar mechanism as gua sha, applied in a circular pattern rather than along strokes.

Like gua sha, the color of the marks is diagnostically meaningful in Chinese medicine. Bright red indicates fresh, active circulation. Dark red or purple indicates blood has been stagnant in the area, common in regions of chronic tension or old injury. The deeper the color, the more stagnation was present. Marks typically resolve within 3–7 days.

Facial cupping is an exception: the specialized cups and gentle technique used on the face do not produce marks or discoloration, making it suitable for patients with cosmetic concerns or upcoming events.

Circular cupping therapy marks on a patient's upper back, a normal result of suction cup therapy at Point Acupuncture in Portland, Maine

Conditions We Treat with Cupping

Cupping is incorporated into acupuncture treatments to address a wide range of conditions. It is particularly effective for musculoskeletal pain, sports recovery, and respiratory concerns.

–Neck and shoulder pain and tightness
–Back pain and muscle tightness
–Sports recovery and DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)
–Respiratory conditions including asthma
–Stress and nervous system regulation
–Facial rejuvenation (used during facial acupuncture)

Cupping FAQs

What Our Patients Say

“Hannah is an amazing practitioner for sports acupuncture and bodywork. I've been seeing her regularly for months, and I walk away from every session feeling great. She's especially helped with neck and shoulder pain from all of my physical activity (mountain biking, yoga, dancing).”

— Tracy G.

“The best acupuncturist around. Hannah has been a blessing to me and helped me and continues to help me more and more each time. From being an athlete and also a Firefighter of 17 years, I put my body through some rough times and bad injuries and she has been key in my recovery and maintenance.”

— Wallace S.

“Hannah is awesome. She's helped me tremendously with my orthopedic muscle issues more effectively than traditional medicine and PT has been able to. She's a fantastic listener who truly cares about finding relief.”

— Dave H.