Traditional Chinese Medicine
Fire Cupping
Restoring the Flow of Qi Through Ancient Healing
What Is Traditional Fire Cupping?
Fire cupping is one of the oldest healing therapies in the world, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with documented use dating back over 1,700 years. The earliest known Chinese record comes from Ge Hong, a Taoist physician and alchemist, who described the technique in his medical text around 281 AD. Early practitioners used hollowed animal horns: that's why cupping was historically called the “horn technique of healing”) before the practice evolved to use bamboo, ceramic, and eventually the glass cups used today.
At its core, fire cupping is designed to reset and improve the flow of blood and qi (the body's vital life energy) through the meridian system. In TCM, when qi becomes stagnant or blocked along these energy pathways, it creates imbalance; it can manifest as pain, tension, fatigue, illness, or emotional disruption. Fire cupping works to break through that stagnation, drawing old, stagnant blood and toxins to the surface while inviting fresh, oxygen-rich blood into the treated area.
The technique itself is straightforward: a flame is briefly introduced into a glass cup to heat the air inside. The flame is removed and the cup is quickly placed on the skin. As the air cools, it creates a vacuum that draws the skin and superficial muscle tissue upward into the cup. This negative pressure stimulates circulation, loosens fascia and connective tissue, and activates the body's natural healing response along the meridian lines.
Benefits of Fire Cupping
Fire cupping addresses the body as a whole: we work on the physical, energetic, and circulatory systems simultaneously.
Blood Flow & Circulation
The suction draws fresh, oxygenated blood into the treated area while flushing out stagnant blood that has been sitting in the tissue. This creates a powerful circulatory reset that supports healing and vitality.
Qi Meridian Reset
Cups are placed along specific meridian lines and acupuncture points to clear energetic blockages. When qi flows freely, the body can self-regulate more effectively, improving energy, mood, and overall resilience.
Lymphatic Drainage & Detoxification
The suction stimulates lymphatic flow, helping the body flush metabolic waste and toxins more efficiently. This supports liver function, reduces puffiness, and promotes a cleaner internal environment.
Fascia Release & Muscle Recovery
The negative pressure stretches and loosens fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles), releasing deep-seated knots and tension. This improves flexibility, accelerates recovery from strain, and relieves persistent pain in the back, neck, and shoulders.
Inflammation Reduction
By improving blood flow and clearing stagnation, fire cupping helps reduce localized inflammation. The body's natural anti-inflammatory processes are supported as fresh nutrients reach the area and waste products are carried away.
Stress & Nervous System Relief
The deep, pulling sensation of cupping activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a state of calm and relaxation. Many clients report feeling deeply rested after a session, similar to the aftereffects of a deep tissue massage.
Treating Specific Symptoms with Cups
Cups can be placed on specific points along the back to support different concerns. Minimum age 5+.
For breathing issues, cups may be moved with oil (e.g. Po Sum or Wood Lock) from UB 11 (T1) to UB 18 (T9). Cups can also be placed in other areas for knots and similar issues; the points shown here are the main reference points.
Click any point on the diagram to see what it's for.
What to Expect During a Session
Preparation
The skin is cleansed and lightly oiled to help the cups form a proper seal and glide smoothly if needed. Your practitioner will discuss your areas of concern and any health considerations.
Cup Placement
A flame is briefly introduced into a glass cup to heat the air inside. The flame is removed and the cup is quickly placed onto the skin. As the air cools, a vacuum forms that draws the skin and superficial tissue upward. Multiple cups are placed along meridian lines and areas of tension.
Resting Period
The cups remain in place for 5–15 minutes depending on the treatment plan. During this time, most clients feel a deep pulling sensation that is firm but not painful. Many find it deeply relaxing.
Removal & Aftercare
The cups are gently released and the skin is soothed. Cupping marks (“sha”) will appear in the treated areas; these are not bruises, but evidence of stagnation being drawn to the surface. Your practitioner will go over aftercare with you before you leave.
See It in Action
Featured video coming soon
Reading Your Cupping Marks
Cupping marks (called “sha” in TCM) are not bruises; they are the visible result of stagnant blood, toxins, and blocked energy being drawn to the surface. The color of your marks tells a story about what's happening in that area of your body. Most marks fade within 3–7 days, though deeper stagnation may take up to 10 days.
Pink / Light Red
Healthy circulation with mild tension. These marks typically fade within hours to a day and indicate good qi flow with only surface-level stagnation.
Red
Moderate stagnation. Can indicate excess heat or recent stress held in the area. A common response on the first few sessions as the body begins to release.
Dark Red / Purple
Deeper, long-standing stagnation. Often seen in areas of chronic tension, old holding patterns, or prolonged stress. These marks indicate the body is releasing what has been stored for a long time.
Brown / Gray
Very deep or old stagnation. These marks suggest entrenched blockages that have been present for an extended period. Multiple sessions may be needed to fully clear these areas.
White / Pale
Qi deficiency or excess cold in the area. The body may lack sufficient energy to bring blood to the surface, suggesting deeper constitutional imbalance that benefits from warming, nourishing therapies.
Aftercare Guidelines
Proper aftercare supports your body's healing process and helps you get the most out of each session.
- • Keep marked areas covered, especially the neck and upper back, to avoid catching a chill
- • Avoid hot showers, baths, saunas, and swimming
- • Skip intense workouts; gentle movement is fine
- • Drink plenty of water to support detoxification
- • Protect treated areas from direct sun and wind
- • Feeling sleepy or deeply relaxed after your session
- • Cupping marks that range from pink to dark purple
- • Mild tenderness in treated areas for 1–2 days
- • Marks fading within 3–7 days (up to 10 for deep stagnation)
- • Increased urination or thirst as the body detoxifies
When to reach out: Contact us if your marks are painful, blister, or persist beyond two weeks. These reactions are rare and are not typical of a properly performed session.
Book a Fire Cupping Session
Fire Cupping is available as a standalone service or as an add-on to any facial treatment.
Relief can often be felt after the first session, though 3–5 sessions are recommended to experience the full benefits as the body progressively clears deeper layers of stagnation.
Treatment Photos
Real sessions and cupping mark results
Treatment photos coming soon.