Cupping & Tension Relief
Focused cupping treatment for muscular tension and tightness, particularly through the neck, shoulders and back.
About the treatment
Cupping is a focused treatment used for muscular tension, tightness and areas that feel restricted or persistently sore. Glass cups are applied to the skin using suction, creating a negative pressure that lifts the superficial tissues rather than compressing them in the way massage does.
Within Chinese medicine, cupping has traditionally been used to promote the movement of Qi and Blood through the channels and to address areas of stagnation. It may also be incorporated into a broader Chinese medicine treatment where appropriate to the individual diagnosis and treatment strategy.
This standalone cupping appointment has a more specific purpose: it is intended for muscular tension, stiffness and soreness where these are the main reason for treatment.
This is a shorter, more targeted appointment than a full acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation. If your symptoms suggest that there is a broader pattern worth assessing, I’ll explain that and we can discuss whether a full Chinese medicine consultation would be more appropriate.
Your appointment
Your appointment begins with a short consultation about where you are experiencing tension, how long it has been present, any relevant injuries or health considerations, and what appears to aggravate or relieve it. This helps me decide which areas to treat and how cupping should be applied.
Glass cups are then placed using suction over the areas being treated. Depending on your presentation, I may use stationary or moving cupping, adjusting the strength and duration to you. The sensation is generally a firm pulling or drawing feeling through the tissues.
Cupping commonly leaves characteristic circular marks. Their colour and intensity vary and they may remain visible for several days, occasionally longer. We’ll discuss this before treatment, particularly if you have an event, holiday or other reason you would prefer to avoid visible marks.
50 minutes · £55
Consultation + cupping treatment
Cupping may be for you if…
• You experience persistent muscular tension or tightness, particularly through the neck, shoulders or back.
• You feel stiff or sore following training or physical activity.
• The same areas repeatedly tighten again after massage or other bodywork.
• You have had cupping previously and know that you respond well to it.
• You would like a focused treatment for muscular tension without a full acupuncture and Chinese medicine consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cupping shouldn’t be painful, although the suction can feel strong. Most people describe it as a firm pulling or drawing sensation through the tissues. I adjust the strength of the cups throughout the treatment, so let me know if anything feels uncomfortable.
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Cupping can leave circular red, purple or darker marks where the cups have been placed. The colour and intensity vary from person to person and between different areas of the body. They usually fade gradually over several days, although occasionally they can remain visible for a couple of weeks.
If you have a wedding, holiday or another event coming up, let me know before treatment so we can take that into account.
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You may feel some tenderness or a sensation similar to post-massage soreness in the areas treated. This is generally short-lived. I'll talk you through what to expect after your treatment and anything relevant to your particular session.
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Cupping requires access to the area being treated, most commonly the back, shoulders or neck. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove or adjust. Towels and appropriate draping are used throughout the treatment.
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Pregnancy does not automatically mean that cupping cannot be used, but treatment needs to be appropriate to the individual and the stage of pregnancy. Please tell me that you're pregnant when booking so I can determine whether cupping is suitable for you and adapt treatment where necessary.
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The technique itself is the same, but its role within the appointment is different. During an acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment, cupping may be used alongside acupuncture, moxibustion, gua sha or other techniques where appropriate to the treatment plan.
The standalone cupping appointment is specifically for people seeking a focused treatment for muscular tension or tightness without a full Chinese medicine consultation.
Ready when you are.
Cupping & Tension Relief
50 minutes · £55
A focused consultation and cupping treatment for muscular tension, tightness and post-training soreness.
Not sure which treatment is appropriate?
If you're unsure which appointment to book, a free discovery call of up to 15 minutes gives us an opportunity to briefly discuss what you're seeking treatment for and whether my approach is likely to be appropriate.
We can talk through whether a full acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation or one of the more focused treatments would be the most suitable place to start. The call is an informal conversation rather than a clinical consultation — your full assessment takes place at your first appointment.
Prefer to explore first?
Read about Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, Facial Enhancement Acupuncture, or Microneedling.