Cupping marks are not bruises in the same sense as a mark that forms after an impact (known as a contusion).  Cupping marks are primarily made up of a body fluid called interstitial fluid (which is largely located in the muscle tissue and lymphatic system).  There is a small amount of blood in interstitial fluid.  There are many non evidence based claims about cupping marks and the information it tells a practitioner.

As a result of its long history, a number of practices and beliefs without scientific basis have become entrenched in the application of cupping.  Non evidence based clinicians often apply the cups for times in excess of those indicated by the scientific literature (4-10mins).  If your therapist leaves cups on for longer than 10 minutes or if your marks take longer than 7 days to pass – the techniques being used are not evidence based.  According to the scientific literature 4-6 minutes is all the time needed for a maximal cupping effect.

If the skin has blistered, you have been subjected to a dangerous technique with reduced (or no) therapeutic value.

Cupping marks should not last more than a week at most – a qualified remedial massage therapist or myotherapist is unlikely to apply cups for longer than 5-6 minutes at a time (at a controlled pressure) that usually leaves a faint mark that disappears within two days.  If you have a blood clotting disorder such as haemophilia, you should not use cupping.  Blood thinning medication can extend the duration of cupping marks.

If the skin has blistered, you have been subjected to a harmful technique with reduced (or no) therapeutic value.  If you have a blood clotting disorder such as haemophilia, you should not use cupping.  Blood thinning medication can extend the duration of cupping marks.

As a result of its long history, a number of practices and beliefs without scientific basis have become entrenched in the application of cupping.  Non evidence based clinicians often apply the cups for times in excess of those indicated by the scientific literature (4-10mins).  If your therapist leaves cups on for longer than 10 minutes or if your marks take longer than 7 days to pass – the techniques being used are not evidence based.  According to the scientific literature 4-6 minutes is all the time needed for a maximal cupping effect.

Cupping marks are primarily made up of a body fluid called interstitial fluid (which is largely located in the muscle tissue and lymphatic system).  There is a small amount of blood in interstitial fluid.  There are many non evidence based claims about cupping marks and the information it tells a practitioner.

In order for cupping to cause clotting the cups would have to be on for a long time – it is likely the skin would rupture before this.  There are practitioners who utilise cupping for non validated purposes and make an array of false claims about what cupping can do.  The majority of cupping’s measurable benefits occur within 3-4 minutes.  If you are receiving cupping that lasts in one spot for more than 10 minutes, you are being subjected to a non-evidence based treatment that leaves unnecessary marking and may cause harm.

There are no scientific papers that purport a link between myofascial pressure inversion cupping and cancer.

There are a few studies that support the claim of cellulite being shifted by cupping. The effect is NEGLIGABLE – similar to lymphatic massage. I would avoid any practitioner that claims that cupping will help you lose weight or radically shift cellulite – they are either uninformed (potentially dangerously so) or hoping to make a lot of money from you.

There is some evidence to suggest that movement of interstitial and lymphatic fluids can cause the re-absorption of some metabolic waste products by the blood supply.  Eliminating these substances feasibly can cause fatigue.  It is likely that to experience this phenomenon the cups would have to be in place for an amount of time in excess of evidence based practice.

Cupping may be able to provide some very short term appearance changes to cellulite but it can’t help cellulite in the long term. Cupping can release fascia, and tight fascia can make cellulite look more lumpy. Cupping, like lymphatic drainage can also reduce fluid in the area making cellulite look smoother. This is however very temporary, with results lasting a few days to a week. Cupping will not have any long term benefit to cellulite.

Sciatica is a complex multi-faceted disorder. There are many sites of potential nerve impingement that cause the leg pain associated with sciatic nerve pain.

It is feasible that cupping may provide some relief to a form of sciatica known as piriformis syndrome – caused by a tightness muscle in the gluteal region close to where the sciatic nerve it exits the spine.  In a percentage of people, the sciatic nerve can be compressed more readily by this muscle.  There is evidence suggesting that cupping may be useful for temporarily reducing muscle tension – the application of the cups should not exceed a few minutes and should be reinforced by other manual therapy techniques such as massage.

Cupping may provide temporary relief for some types of knee pain involving muscle tension and muscle overuse – the application of the cups should not take longer than a few minutes and should be reinforced by other manual therapy techniques such as massage.  According to evidence based principals – cupping is not a stand-alone treatment and the reduction of muscle tension is not long lasting – however it may enable more long lasting manual therapy techniques such massage to be performed with less discomfort.

False.  This is an example of the many unsubstantiated claims made by non evidence based therapists and clinicians.  Menstruation cycles are subject to complex hormonal processes that are not affected by pain modulating neurotransmitters triggered by cupping or the accumulation of interstitial fluid to the superficial derma.

What does cupping therapy do?  The stretch caused by the cup suction stimulates small diameter nerve endings in the skin and muscles, which trigger impulses to the spinal cord – causing the release of pain modulating neurotransmitters (endorphins and monoamines) which block the pain messages and temporarily reduce muscle tone.

Circulatory status of the individual will affect the tone of the cupping mark – however, time under tension and pressure intensity affect the cup marks at least as much. As a result of its long history, a number of “diagnostic” practices and beliefs have become entrenched in the application of cupping which are not supported by the evidence base.

If your cupping marks last more than a week (presuming you are not haemophiliac or on blood thinning medicine – haemophiliacs should not get cupping) the marks tell you that your therapist is not applying evidence based techniques – because they have left the cups on for too long.   Circulatory status of the individual will affect the tone of the cupping mark – however, time under tension and pressure intensity affect the cup marks at least as much.  As a result of its long history, a number of “diagnostic” practices and beliefs have become entrenched in the application of cupping which are not supported by the evidence base.

In evidence based practice, cupping is used to temporarily reduce tone in overactive, painful muscle tissue.  The stretch caused by the cup suction stimulates small diameter nerve endings in the skin and muscles, which trigger impulses to the spinal cord – causing the release of pain modulating neurotransmitters (endorphins and monoamines) which block the pain messages and temporarily reduce muscle tone.    An evidence based clinician that uses cups will not use them as a stand alone treatment.  An evidence based clinician that uses cups will not apply the cups to one location for much longer than 5 minutes.

Cupping is used to temporarily reduce tone in overactive, painful muscle tissue.  The stretch caused by the cup suction stimulates small diameter nerve endings in the skin and muscles, which trigger impulses to the spinal cord – causing the release of pain modulating neurotransmitters (endorphins and monoamines) which block the pain messages and temporarily reduce muscle tone.    An evidence based clinician that uses cups will not use them as a stand alone treatment.  An evidence based clinician that uses cups will not apply the cups to one location for much longer than 5 minutes.

As a result of its long history, a number of practices and beliefs have become entrenched in the application of cupping, and which may have little or no scientific basis. If the skin has blistered – or your practitioner has cut you then applied the cup to “suck out toxins”, you have been subjected to a dangerous technique with no therapeutic value (literal medieval medical practice). Cupping marks should not last more than a week at most – a qualified remedial massage therapist or myotherapist is unlikely to use cups for longer than 5 minutes at a time and at a controlled pressure that usually leaves a faint mark that disappears within two days. If you have a blood clotting disorder such as haemophilia, you should not use cupping. Blood thinning medication can extend the duration of cupping marks.

A qualified remedial massage therapist or myotherapist who uses cups should not apply the cups for longer than 10 minutes.  The evidence based effects of cupping should occur within 4 minutes.  It is entirely feasible to effectively use cups without causing a mark.

It is normal to have marks after cupping, however when cupping leaves marks that concern such as blistering or dark and bruised looking contact your practitioner. You may have had the cups on too long, they may have been too hot or there could be other contributing factors. If you take blood thinners like warfarin, aspirin or bruise easily these can be contributing factors. If you have haemophilia, a blood clotting disorder you should avoid cupping.

The stretch sensation of the cups is sometimes unpleasant, but a genuine sensation of pain is usually indicative of too much pressure or time.

When cupping causes blisters there can be a few causes.

Firstly the type of cupping used. Flame cupping where glass cups are heated with live flame can overheat the glass making them too hot.

Cupping time can create blisters – cups are left on too long. Generally 5 – 10 minutes is enough

Where the cupping is done – some areas on the body have thinner skin and are more sensitive and could blister more easily

The tolerance of the individual also plays a part. If you have never had cupping before, and especially if the cups are flame cups, you can ask the practitioner to do a small test on you first to see how you react.

If you experience blisters then keep them clean, dress them and they should go away within a few days. Contact your practitioner and let them know you have had this reaction. They will give you direction.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that placing cups on appropriate locations, such as the low back, shoulders, glutes or legs is contra indicated during pregnancy.  A pre natal condition called preeclampsia (high blood pressure) may theoretically mean that cupping of the neck region for those affected should be avoided as there is one adverse event (a single individual) recorded  in the literature relating to a cerebral event after neck cupping.

Having cupping when sick depends on the sickness and how long you have had it. If cups are left on for longer they can potentially move lymph, especially if the therapist moves the cups rather than leaving them in one place. You want to avoid having the cups moved or left on too long as moving more metabolic waste into the blood stream can cause fatigue while you eliminate it. If you are already feeling tired this can cause you to feel more fatigued.

Cupping when you have a cold can make you feel fatigued due to moving lymph into the blood stream and therefore metabolic waste. Your body then has to eliminate this via the kidneys and liver. This puts an extra load on your body while you are feeling unwell and can make you feel tired. It’s best to wait until you feel better and then have a treatment that moves lymph and stimulates the lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage would be more effective at this point than cupping for draining the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system plays and important part in your immunity and also energy and general health.

An evidence based clinician will apply cups to broad muscle surfaces including the back and shoulders, glutes, legs and arms and the bottom of the foot.  It is likely that cupping the neck and the sternocleidomastoid (muscle at the front of the throat) are safe in the vast majority of the population – especially if the cups are not left on for an excessive length of time.

Cupping therapy is a non regulated technique.  I personally would not receive cupping from anyone who does not hold a diploma or higher.  Untrained or minimally qualified massage therapists are abundant in Brisbane and spread many unsubstantiated claims about what cupping can do and often leave marks that linger for weeks.

At Knead Massage we have a number of therapists that provide cupping.

Our Remedial therapists Eva, Gregor and Anna along with Makira all provide cupping. Myotherapists Roger, Elena and Wang also do cupping. Cupping is normally part of a massage or myotherapy treatment not just a treatment on its own.

Sciatica is a complex condition with several possible causes, as nerve impingement can occur at different points along the spine and leg. One form, known as piriformis syndrome, happens when the piriformis muscle in the gluteal region becomes tight and irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve.

Cupping may provide some temporary relief in cases of piriformis-related sciatica. Research suggests that cupping can reduce muscle tension for a short time, which may ease discomfort. However, cups should only be applied for a few minutes and are most effective when combined with other manual therapies such as remedial massage.

Low back pain is a complex and multifaceted condition that is experienced differently by every individual.  There is some evidence in the scientific literature that indicates cupping can provide some benefit when treating low back pain – the effects are likely to be short term and effective for muscular spasm causing low back pain.  More complex conditions such as disc bulge and ankylosing spondylosis have no evidence to support the use of cups.

There is misinformation about cupping getting rid of cellulite. Cupping can’t get rid of cellulite. Cupping can release fascia which contributes to the lumpy look of cellulite and drain fluid from the area making cellulite look smoother, but the results are temporary. This might be ok if you are wanting to have short term results for a particular reason but you can’t rely on cupping or lymphatic drainage to get rid of cellulite.

Yes, cupping marks should pass within 7 days.  If you have been subjected to a non evidence based use of cups (or use blood thinning medications), it can take much longer.  As a result of its long history, a number of practices and beliefs have become entrenched in the application of cupping which may have no scientific basis.  When used by non evidence based clinicians, myofascial inversion pressure cups are often applied for too long – if your therapist leaves cups on for longer than 10 minutes and if your marks take longer than 7 days to pass – they are not using the technique in alignment with evidence based principals.  According to the scientific literature 4-6 minutes is all the time needed for a maximul cupping effect.

Yes – briefly.  Shoulder pain can have many causes including simple muscle tension, arthritis, inflammatory conditions such as bursitis, tendon irritation and complex syndromes such as frozen shoulder. The stretch caused by the cup suction stimulates small diameter nerve endings in the skin and muscles, which triggers an impulse to the spinal cord causing the release of pain modulating neurotransmitters (endorphins and monoamines) which block the pain messages and theoretically reduce muscle tone.  Simple shoulder tension may respond to cupping.  There is no evidence to support the use of cupping in frozen shoulder.

The pain associated with the term Rotator cuff syndrome is usually a result of irritation of the tendon and bursar of the supraspinatus muscle (but may affect any of the 4 rotator cuff muscles).  Cupping may be used to assist in a manual therapy approach to rotator cuff pain.  The scientific literature tells us that rotator cuff syndrome responds best to a combination of early manual therapy and consistent exercise therapy.  Consult a qualified Myotherapist to understand your rotator cuff pain quickly and how to resolve it.  There is no evidence to support the ongoing use of cupping for calcific shoulder tendinitis.

If you are wondering if cupping will help you lose the weight the answer is unfortunately no. Like lymphatic drainage cupping will move lymph and help stimulate and drain the lymphatic system but it won’t eliminate fat. Lymphatic drainage massage can be used with a dedicated weight loss program to help the lymphatic system which does play a role in the transportation of fat in the body, but relying on cupping to lose weight will waste your time and money.

The stretch sensation of the cups is sometimes unpleasant, but a genuine sensation of pain is usually indicative of too much pressure or time.

An evidence based clinician will apply cups to broad muscle surfaces including the back and shoulders, glutes, legs and arms and the bottom of the foot.  It is likely that cupping the neck and the sternocleidomastoid (muscle at the front of the throat) are safe in the vast majority of the population – especially if the cups are not left on for an excessive length of time (more than 10 minutes).

At Knead Massage Brisbane – our highly qualified Myotherapists and Remedial Massage therapists may employ cupping for some of the treatment. 

At Knead Massage, cupping is not a stand-alone treatment and when it is used, it is used to allow your therapist to work on more than one area simultaneously or for a few minutes before serious deep tissue work starts on an area.  Our qualified, evidence based therapists will not cause marks that last more than a few days in healthy circulatory systems.