Suction cups that lift the skin and muscle to ease tight, sore areas — used by our acupuncturists and massage therapist as part of your treatment.
Cupping uses glass, plastic or silicone cups placed on the skin. Suction lifts the skin and the muscle underneath, and the cups either stay in place for a few minutes or glide slowly over oiled skin. It comes from traditional Chinese medicine and is now used by acupuncturists, massage therapists and sports teams around the world.
Most people come to it for tight, sore muscles in the back, shoulders and neck. At Premier Wellness, cupping is part of an acupuncture or massage appointment, and your practitioner decides with you whether it suits what you have come in for.
Long-standing tension across the shoulders that has not shifted with stretching.
Stiffness from desk work, driving or poor sleep, used alongside other hands-on work.
Tight muscles around the lower back and hips, once anything serious has been ruled out.
Sore, heavy muscles after hard sessions, often combined with massage.
Used with needling, moxibustion or gua sha as part of an acupuncture treatment plan.
Added to a remedial or deep tissue massage where suction suits better than pressure.
Cupping is popular, so here is the honest picture.
The research on cupping is limited and mixed. Some people find it eases muscle tightness and pain, and many enjoy how it feels. We will not tell you it removes toxins or cures illness, because the evidence does not support that.
Cupping often leaves round red or purple marks. They come from blood drawn towards the surface under the cup, and they usually fade within a few days to a week. If you have an event where the marks would matter, tell your practitioner.
We avoid or adapt cupping over broken or inflamed skin, varicose veins and areas of recent injury, and we take extra care if you take blood thinners, bruise easily, are pregnant or have a bleeding disorder. Let us know about any of these when you book.
Cupping is not usually booked on its own. You book an acupuncture or massage appointment, and your practitioner uses cupping where it helps.
Your practitioner asks about your symptoms and health first. Cups are then placed on the area, usually the back or shoulders, and left for a few minutes or moved slowly over oiled skin. You will feel a pulling, tight sensation that most people find tolerable and often relieving.
Book an acupuncture appointment or a massage, and mention cupping when you book so we can put you with the right practitioner. Prices are on our prices page.
Cupping at our Glenfield and Orewa clinics
Acupuncture, Manual Therapy & Shiatsu Massage
Cupping is not funded on its own by ACC. If you have an ACC claim for an injury, ask about acupuncture with one of our ACC-registered acupuncturists. When cupping is part of a massage, you can claim that massage through Southern Cross Easy-Claim, subject to your policy. Afterpay is available over four fortnightly payments, and we also accept cash, EFTPOS, Visa and Mastercard. Prices are on our prices page.
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Book an acupuncture or massage appointment online, or call us. Mention cupping when you book so we can match you with the right practitioner.
