Elizabeth Yau - Chinese medicine practitioner & acupuncturist

Elizabeth Yau - Chinese medicine practitioner & acupuncturistElizabeth Yau - Chinese medicine practitioner & acupuncturistElizabeth Yau - Chinese medicine practitioner & acupuncturist

Elizabeth Yau - Chinese medicine practitioner & acupuncturist

Elizabeth Yau - Chinese medicine practitioner & acupuncturistElizabeth Yau - Chinese medicine practitioner & acupuncturistElizabeth Yau - Chinese medicine practitioner & acupuncturist
  • Home
  • Practitioner
  • Blog
  • Treatment
    • Specialization
    • Therapy
  • Body Type Quiz
  • Contact
  • More
    • Home
    • Practitioner
    • Blog
    • Treatment
      • Specialization
      • Therapy
    • Body Type Quiz
    • Contact
  • Home
  • Practitioner
  • Blog
  • Treatment
    • Specialization
    • Therapy
  • Body Type Quiz
  • Contact

Cupping therapy (dry/ oil/ wet)

Other concern?

Cupping Therapy

What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping is an ancient therapeutic technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. This suction helps stimulate blood flow, reduce tension, and promote healing in the body. Traditionally, cupping is believed to encourage the movement of Qi and blood through the body, clearing blockages in meridians and aiding in the release of toxins. There are various forms of cupping, each suited to specific therapeutic purposes.


For Sickness and Symptom Relief

  • Pain Relief: Cupping is commonly used to treat muscular pain, joint pain, and stiffness, particularly in the back, neck, and shoulders. By drawing blood to the affected area, it alleviates tension and encourages healing.
  • Respiratory Health: Cupping is effective for managing respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, and colds, by opening the chest area and improving airflow through the lungs.
  • Detoxification and Circulation: Cupping aids the body in detoxification, drawing stagnant blood to the surface and promoting new, oxygenated blood to flow into tissues, which improves circulation and reduces inflammation.


For General Wellness and Preventative Care

  • Stress Relief and Relaxation: Cupping releases muscle tension and promotes deep relaxation, making it a beneficial treatment for stress and anxiety.
  • Skin Health: Cupping can enhance skin vitality, helping to reduce signs of aging by improving blood flow and encouraging the removal of toxins from the skin.
  • Immune Support: Regular cupping therapy strengthens the immune system, making the body more resilient against common illnesses.

Dry Cupping

Wet/ Bloodletting Cupping

Oil/ Moving Cupping

Dry cupping involves creating suction on the skin without any additional oils or incisions. 


It is commonly used for pain relief, improving blood flow, and alleviating muscle tension. 


The suction effect stimulates circulation, bringing more oxygenated blood to the area and encouraging tissue recovery.

Oil/ Moving Cupping

Wet/ Bloodletting Cupping

Oil/ Moving Cupping

In oil cupping, a light layer of oil is applied to the skin before placing the cups, allowing them to be gently moved across muscle areas.


 This method is especially effective for enhancing circulation, reducing muscular tension, and increasing relaxation. 

It can also be used to address chronic stress and improve skin tone.

Wet/ Bloodletting Cupping

Wet/ Bloodletting Cupping

Wet/ Bloodletting Cupping

It combines suction with tiny incisions in the skin to remove a small amount of blood. 


This technique is particularly beneficial for detoxification, as it helps release toxins and reduce inflammation, which can be useful for acute/ chronic pain, inflammatory conditions, and certain skin issues. 


It is commonly used for acute sports injuries to remove stagnant blood from the affected area, promoting faster recovery & reducing swelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

In your first cupping session, your practitioner will assess your health and recommend the most suitable cupping method for your needs. During the treatment, you may feel slight pressure as the cups are applied, but it should be comfortable. Mild marks or redness on the skin are normal and should fade within a week.


The colors left by cupping vary according to the individual’s body constitution and health. Darker colors often indicate greater stagnation. 


The colors and markings that appear on the skin after cupping can provide insight into a person's health and body constitution. Different body types or underlying conditions can cause variations in these marks. Here’s what different colors may indicate:


  • Dark Purple or Black Marks: These colors often signify significant stagnation or blockages in the area, which could indicate poor circulation, chronic pain, or high levels of toxins. People with colder body constitutions may be more prone to these darker marks.
  • Red Marks: Bright red marks suggest heat in the body, often associated with inflammation or excess Yang energy. Those with warmer constitutions or active inflammation may experience these colors. Red marks can fade quickly if there is no deeper stagnation.
  • Light Pink or Minimal Marks: Light pink marks are generally a good sign and suggest good circulation in the area with minimal stagnation. These marks often appear in individuals with balanced constitutions or areas that don’t require much detoxification.
  • Yellow or Green Marks: Occasionally, yellow or greenish marks can appear, which may indicate long-term or older stagnation beginning to clear. This is a less common response and may require additional cupping sessions to fully clear the area.


Blisters can occasionally form after cupping. If small blisters form, it’s usually best to leave them alone, as they’ll naturally be absorbed by the body within a few days. For larger or burst blisters, it’s essential to inform your practitioner, who can disinfect the area and apply any necessary care to prevent infection.


No, it’s recommended to avoid exercise immediately after cupping. Cupping opens the pores, making the skin more sensitive to sweat and temperature changes. If you need to exercise, wait at least three hours after the session to allow your body to recover.


Cupping is not recommended for individuals with severe skin allergies or open wounds, pregnant women, women during menstruation, or individuals with serious heart conditions, blood disorders, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, advanced cancer, infectious diseases, or a frail constitution. Always consult your practitioner first.


It’s best to wait 1 to 2 hours before showering after a cupping session, as your pores are still open and the skin is sensitive. Showering too soon may introduce cold to the body or increase the risk of colds. Use warm water and keep warm afterward.


Cupping generally doesn’t hurt. Most people feel a gentle pulling sensation, which may feel unusual if it’s your first time. The suction can be adjusted to your comfort level, and the experience should be relaxing.


Cupping sessions typically last between 8 to 15 minutes, although they can be customized based on the individual’s needs. The practitioner will assess your condition to determine the best treatment plan.


Your practitioner will evaluate your health and recommend the appropriate method. Dry cupping is common for pain relief, oil cupping for realeasing prolonged muscle tension, and wet cupping for detoxification and injuries. The choice depends on your health goals and specific conditions.


Copyright © 2025 Elizabeth Yau - All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • Fertility & Pre/Postnatal
  • Menstruation/Menopause
  • Pain
  • Stress, Sleep, Immunity
  • Skin Issues
  • Hair Issues

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

DeclineAccept