Cupping Therapy: Ancient Ritual or Wellness Hype?

The other day, I was at my acupuncturist, and she recommended cupping for my session. I'm always open to new holistic therapies, and I had done some cupping in the past, but more of the cup & drag method. I was NOT prepared for what occurred in this session. See the bottom of the blog for a photo of what my body looked like after the session. (Be prepared, it's NOT pretty)

Cupping therapy has taken over the wellness world — and no, it’s not just a trendy spa thing. It’s a deeply rooted healing practice that dates back thousands of years.

Let’s unpack what it’s all about — and why you might want to give it a try, or not. haha.

What is Cupping?

Cupping is a traditional therapy where cups are placed on the skin to create suction. This suction increases blood flow, loosens fascia, and helps release tension and toxins stuck in the body.

The marks? They aren’t bruises — they’re signs of stagnant energy and blood being brought to the surface for healing.

The Healing Benefits of Cupping

Boosts Circulation

The suction pulls fresh blood to the surface, which speeds up healing and cellular repair.

Releases Muscle Tension & Pain

It’s like a deep tissue massage — but in reverse. Great for tight shoulders, sore backs, or general stiffness.

Aids Detox & Lymphatic Drainage

Supports your body’s natural cleansing process by helping move stagnant fluids.

Calms the Nervous System

Cupping activates the parasympathetic nervous system. You may feel relaxed, emotional, or even sleepy after a session — all signs your body is shifting into rest + repair mode.

Clears Energetic Blockages

From an energetic perspective, cupping can help unblock stuck “Qi” (your life force), restoring flow and vitality.

Let’s Talk About the Marks

Healing isn’t always Instagram-pretty. Cupping can leave red or purple circles that last 3–10 days, depending on your body and the level of stagnation.

Tips to help them fade faster:

• Stay well-hydrated

• Apply arnica or magnesium oil

• Eat anti-inflammatory foods

• Avoid intense workouts for 24 hours post-session

Is Cupping Right For You?

Cupping may be beneficial for:

• Chronic tightness or back/neck pain

• High stress + poor sleep

• Athletic recovery

• Low energy or sluggish circulation

• Emotional release or spiritual stagnation (which is what I needed)

Emotional Release & Spiritual Stagnation

Cupping isn’t just physical — it’s intensely energetic.

Many people report feeling unexpectedly emotional after a session. That’s because cupping can help release stuck emotions stored in the tissues, especially in places like the upper back, where we often carry stress, grief, and unspoken feelings.

Energetically, this therapy works to unblock spiritual stagnation — the kind that manifests as fatigue, brain fog, irritability, or a feeling of disconnection from your intuition. By restoring flow, cupping creates space for clarity, calm, and connection.

You may walk out with circular marks, but you’ll also walk out lighter — emotionally, spiritually, and energetically, which is what I felt. But man, the bruises....WHY. This validates that healing is not pretty, but well worth it.

And here is the photo of me post session with Tina, my acupuncturist.

Let the circles be a reminder: energy needs to move.