Fire Cupping

From a TCM perspective, fire cupping serves several purposes:

  • Releases Stagnation: Cupping therapy is primarily used to address stagnation of blood and qi, TCM theory suggests which can lead to pain, discomfort, and disease.

  • Enhances Circulation: The suction created by the cups helps to draw blood to the surface of the skin, increasing circulation in the area. This may help alleviate muscle tightness, improve recovery, and promote the qi flow throughout the body.

  • Relieves Pain: it may assist in relieving musculoskeletal pain, especially in the back, neck, and shoulders. By increasing blood flow and promoting the release of toxins from the body, cupping may help reduce inflammation and pain.

  • Detoxification: it is thought to encourage the movement of stagnant blood and toxins to the surface, where they can be removed by the body’s natural processes. The cups create a vacuum that pulls the skin and underlying tissue upward, stimulating the body’s healing response.

  • Boosts Immune System: It is believed it can help to strengthen the immune system by improving blood flow, promoting the flow of qi, and stimulating the body’s self-healing mechanisms.

  • Promotes Relaxation: The therapy may assist with stress and tension, providing a deep sense of relaxation. It is often used to support the nervous system, making it beneficial for overall wellbeing.

What does Fire Cupping do?

The process of fire cupping involves the following steps:

  • Preparation: Fire is used to create a vacuum inside the cup by briefly heating the air inside using a flame. This heating causes the air to expand and when the flame is extinguished, the cup is quickly placed on the skin, causing the air to contract and create a suction. (Noting, sometimes silicone cups will be used instead, this is usually when treating joints or over bony structures).

  • Placement of Cups: The cups are usually placed on specific areas of the body, such as the back, shoulders, neck, or other areas of tension or discomfort. The cups may be moved along the body or left stationary. 

  • Suction: The vacuum created by the cupping pulls the skin and the superficial layers of muscle into the cup. The intensity of the suction can be adjusted depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s comfort level.

  • Duration: The cups are typically left in place for around 5 to 15 minutes. 

  • Post-Therapy: After the cups are removed, you might notice circular marks on the skin, which is often mistaken for bruising but is actually known as Sha.  This is a result of blood and stagnation being brought to the surface. These marks can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the individual.

How it works

A woman lying on her side in a white bra, with a sensual pose, on a bed with white sheets. In the foreground, there are several glass candle holders and a lit candle.

  • Sensation: While the suction may feel intense initially, it is usually not painful. Many people report feeling a deep sense of relief and relaxation during the treatment. Some describe it as a pulling sensation, similar to a massage. However, the intensity can vary depending on the strength of the suction and the area being treated.

  • Skin Marks: As mentioned, one of the most noticeable side effects is the appearance of dark circular marks (Sha) on the skin. These marks are typically not painful but can be visually startling. They are a sign that the blood flow has been stimulated in that area and should fade within a few days. 

  • Relaxation: Most people feel deeply relaxed after a cupping session. It is not uncommon to feel a sense of warmth or a subtle sensation of increased circulation.

  • Aftercare: It's important to rest after a cupping session, drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins, and avoid extreme temperatures (such as hot showers or direct sunlight) for a few hours afterward. Ensure the area is covered up from the elements such as cold and wind for at a minimum 6 hours.  

What to expect during and after the treatment?

Sha is a key concept in TCM, particularly in therapies like fire cupping and gua sha.​ Sha is understood as:

  • stagnant blood or qi trapped in the muscles and tissues.

  • a visible manifestation of internal blockages, poor circulation, or accumulated toxins.

  • a response to external pathogens (e.g., cold, dampness, wind) that the body hasn't been able to expel.

The appearance of sha is not considered a bruise or injury, but rather a therapeutic response—evidence that the treatment is helping to release stagnation and restore healthy flow.  The sha color, depth, and distribution offer clues to the practitioner about the severity and nature of the stagnation.

What do the Sha marks mean?

Comparison chart of light and dark skin tones showing health indicators like blood circulation, dampness, Qi and blood deficiency, stagnation, toxins accumulation, and severity levels.
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Sources

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  • Kim, J., Sung, D. J., & Lee, J. (2021). Therapeutic effectiveness of dry cupping on musculoskeletal pain and disability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 11(2), 171-182.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.10.003

  • Kim, T. H., Kim, K. H., Choi, T. Y., Lee, M. S., & Lee, H. (2011). Evaluation of wet-cupping therapy for persistent non-specific low back pain: a randomized, waiting-list controlled, open-label, parallel-group pilot trial. Trials, 12(146). https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-12-146

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