What is Cupping Therapy? Cupping is an ancient medical technique where suction is used to gently separate the layers of tissue, draw fresh blood into the area, and help release knots in the muscle. While it has roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, at A New Body Massage in San Diego, we use it as a powerful modern tool for myofascial release.

What does Cupping feel like?

• A pulling or suction sensation (not painful)
• A feeling of immediate release in tight areas
• It may leave circular marks (not bruises!) that fade in 3-7 days
• Deeply relaxing as it calms the nervous system

Why do we use Cupping? Sometimes muscles are so tight that pressing down on them (like in standard massage) causes them to guard or tighten further. Cupping does the opposite—it pulls up. This creates space between the skin, fascia, and muscle layers. This space allows fresh, oxygenated blood to flood the area, promoting healing and breaking up stagnation that has been stuck in the tissue for months or years.

How does Cupping help recover from pain? Cupping is exceptionally good for large, flat areas like the back and shoulders, as well as the IT bands. By using a modern suction pump system, we can control the exact amount of pressure. We often slide the cups (Moving Cupping) which feels like a “reverse massage.” This helps to strip away adhesions and brings a rush of blood flow that speeds up recovery from workouts or chronic stiffness.

How to prevent muscle stagnation?

• Stay hydrated to keep your fascia slippery
• Move your body through its full range of motion daily
• Don’t fear the “marks”—they are a sign that the therapy is working to bring blood to the surface!