Cupping TherapyAncient technique. A fresh take on tension.
Some tension needs a different kind of attention. Rooted in centuries-old healing traditions, cupping therapy uses controlled suction to gently lift the skin and underlying tissue, encouraging local circulation and helping relieve stubborn muscle tightness.
At Essentials Medispa, we offer three ways to experience cupping: traditional Fire Cupping, targeted Therapeutic Cupping, and flowing Slide Cupping. Different techniques, different experiences, and one common goal: helping you feel better in your body.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Think of cupping as massage with a different approach. While traditional massage applies downward pressure, cupping uses suction to create a gentle lifting effect on the skin and underlying tissue. This distinctive technique is commonly used to help address muscle tightness, soreness, and areas of persistent tension.
Cupping is commonly sought for:
- Neck, shoulder, and back tension
- Chronic muscle tightness and stiffness
- Post-workout soreness
- Stress-related muscle tension
- General muscular discomfort
Three Ways to Cup. One Personalized Approach.
Fire Cupping
Traditional Eastern Medicine | Acupuncture
A time-honored technique with a little extra warmth. Fire cupping uses glass cups and a brief application of heat to create suction. Once placed on the skin, the cups gently lift the underlying tissue, creating a distinctive pulling sensation.
Offered by our licensed acupuncturist, Theresa Anderson, L.Ac., this traditional technique may be incorporated into an Integrated Acupuncture Treatment as part of your personalized wellness experience.
Ideal for: Guests interested in traditional Eastern medicine, holistic bodywork, and incorporating cupping into their acupuncture experience.
Explore Acupuncture Treatments →
Therapeutic Cupping
Focused Muscle Relief | Medical Massage
For those muscles that just won’t take the hint. Therapeutic cupping uses specialized suction cups to focus on areas of persistent tightness and muscular discomfort.
Unlike traditional massage, which primarily applies pressure, this treatment uses suction to gently lift the tissue, offering a different approach to targeted muscle relief.
Available Treatments
Targeted Area | 25 Minutes
Focused cupping using approximately 4–6 cups to address a specific area of tension.
Large Area | 45 Minutes
An extended session using 6 or more cups to address larger areas of muscular tightness.
An evaluation is required before treatment.
Slide Cupping
The Perfect Massage Enhancement
A little glide. A little suction. A whole lot of relaxation. Slide cupping combines the flowing movements of massage with the gentle lifting sensation of cupping therapy.
Slide Cupping brings an extra dimension to your massage using soft, flexible silicone cups. Depending on your needs, your massage therapist may glide the cups across the skin in smooth, flowing movements or leave them stationary to focus on specific areas of tension.
This versatile technique complements traditional massage and offers a different approach to working with tight, overworked muscles.
Best for: Guests looking to enhance their massage with focused attention to stubborn tension or experience cupping without booking a separate treatment.
Add Slide Cupping to Your Massage →
What to Expect During Your Cupping Treatment
Every cupping experience begins with your comfort in mind.
Your practitioner will discuss your goals, review relevant health information, and select the appropriate technique for your needs.
Depending on your treatment, cups may remain in place or glide across the skin. You’ll experience a distinctive pulling sensation that can range from gentle to more intense, depending on the technique and level of suction.
And yes, those famous cupping circles? They’re normal.
Cupping can leave temporary pink, red, or purple marks on the skin. These marks are caused by the suction and typically fade within several days to two weeks.
Is Cupping Right for Everyone?
As much as we love a good wellness ritual, cupping isn’t for everyone.
Cupping therapy is not recommended for guests who:
- Are pregnant
- Have active cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment
- Take blood-thinning medications
- Have bleeding disorders or blood-clotting conditions, including known or suspected blood clots
- Have open wounds, skin infections, or significant skin irritation in the treatment area
Certain medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, pacemakers, recent surgery, and a history of cancer, may also require additional screening or medical clearance.
Your safety always comes first. Please inform your practitioner of any medical conditions, medications, or recent procedures before treatment. All cupping services are subject to a health assessment to determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cupping hurt?
Cupping creates a pulling or tightening sensation, but it shouldn’t cause significant pain. Your practitioner can adjust the intensity based on your comfort.
What’s the difference between fire cupping, therapeutic cupping, and slide cupping?
All three techniques use suction, but the application is different.
Fire cupping uses heat to create suction inside glass cups and is offered through our acupuncture services.
Therapeutic cupping uses specialized suction cups for focused treatment of muscular tension.
Slide cupping uses flexible silicone cups that move across the skin during a massage, creating a more continuous, flowing experience.
Will I have cupping marks afterward?
Possibly! Stationary cupping frequently leaves circular marks, while slide cupping may produce more diffuse redness. Both techniques can leave temporary marks that fade naturally.
Can I add cupping to my regular massage?
Yes! Slide cupping is available as a massage enhancement, making it easy to experience cupping alongside your massage.
Is cupping right for everyone?
Not necessarily. Certain conditions, medications, and skin concerns may make cupping inappropriate. Your practitioner will review your health history to help determine whether treatment is suitable for you.
Ready to Release Some Tension?
Whether you’re drawn to traditional fire cupping, need a little focused muscle relief, or want to add something new to your next massage, we’ve got a cup for that.
Discover personalized cupping therapy at Essentials Medispa in Melbourne’s Viera community.