The Healing Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Jasmin Movassaghi • April 15, 2025

Cupping therapy is a time-tested healing technique that has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Middle Eastern, and ancient Egyptian medicine. This powerful therapy is known for improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, and detoxifying the body.



At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness in Merrimack, NH, Dr. Jasmin Movassaghi incorporates cupping therapy into acupuncture treatments to help relieve pain, promote healing, and restore balance. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, muscle stiffness, stress, or stagnation, cupping can be an excellent addition to your wellness routine.

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is a non-invasive, holistic therapy that involves placing specialized cups on the skin to create gentle suction. This suction pulls the skin, fascia, and muscles upward, promoting blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and deep muscle relaxation.


How Cupping Works:

✔ Increases circulation – Brings fresh oxygenated blood to the muscles and tissues
✔ Reduces muscle tension – Loosens tight fascia and promotes deep relaxation
✔ Flushes out toxins – Stimulates the lymphatic system to help clear waste from the body
✔ Encourages natural healing – Helps with pain relief, inflammation, and tissue repair

The Benefits of Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy has numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. It is commonly used by athletes, chronic pain sufferers, and those looking for deep relaxation and detoxification.


1. Pain Relief & Muscle Recovery

✔ Effective for chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and shoulder tension
✔ Loosens tight fascia, knots, and trigger points
✔ Speeds up muscle recovery for athletes and active individuals


2. Detoxification & Circulation Boost

✔ Stimulates blood flow and removes stagnation
✔ Supports lymphatic drainage to clear toxins
✔ Helps with inflammation and post-exercise soreness


3. Stress Reduction & Relaxation

✔ Induces deep relaxation by calming the nervous system
✔ Reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone)
✔ Provides a sense of lightness and relief


4. Respiratory & Immune System Support

✔ Helps with coughs, asthma, and colds by opening the lungs
✔ Supports immune function and detoxification
✔ Clears congestion by loosening phlegm and improving circulation


5. Cupping for Digestion & Metabolism

✔ Aids in digestive health and bloating relief
✔ Stimulates the digestive organs to improve metabolism
✔ Reduces IBS symptoms, constipation, and sluggish digestion

Types of Cupping Therapy

There are several different cupping techniques, each offering unique benefits depending on your health goals.


1. Dry Cupping

✔ The most common form of cupping
✔ Cups are placed on the skin to create gentle suction
✔ Ideal for pain relief, muscle tension, and circulation


2. Wet Cupping (Hijama Therapy)

✔ Involves a small, controlled incision on the skin before applying suction
✔ Used for detoxification and clearing stagnation
✔ Less commonly practiced in acupuncture clinics


3. Sliding Cupping (Gliding Cupping)

✔ Cups are moved across the skin using massage oil
✔ Great for relaxing muscles, reducing tightness, and improving mobility


4. Fire Cupping

✔ Traditional method using a flame to create suction inside glass cups
✔ Promotes deep warmth, circulation, and Qi flow


5. Silicone or Pump Cupping

✔ Uses silicone or pump-based cups instead of glass
✔ Allows for adjustable suction levels for sensitive areas


Dr. Movassaghi is skilled in various cupping techniques, ensuring that each treatment is customized based on your unique needs and comfort level.

Cupping vs. Gua Sha: What’s the Difference?

Both cupping and Gua Sha are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to increase circulation and release tension, but they work in different ways:

Both therapies can be combined for enhanced healing and circulation.

What to Expect During a Cupping Session

At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness, cupping therapy is often integrated into acupuncture treatments for maximum effectiveness. Here’s what a typical session looks like:



✔ Application of oil or balm – Helps the cups glide smoothly over the skin.
✔
Placement of cups – Cups are gently placed on targeted areas for 5-15 minutes.
✔
Mild suction sensation – Most patients find this deeply relaxing.
✔
Temporary marks – Circular marks may appear and fade within a few days as stagnation clears.
✔
Post-treatment relaxation – Many patients feel lighter, looser, and more energized afterward.

Is Cupping Safe?

Yes! Cupping is a safe, natural, and non-invasive therapy. Some temporary red or purple marks may appear on the skin as toxins and stagnant blood are drawn to the surface, but this is not painful and fades quickly.



Dr. Movassaghi ensures that cupping therapy is performed safely and effectively, tailored to your specific health needs.

Experience Cupping Therapy at Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness

If you’re looking for natural pain relief, muscle recovery, or detoxification, cupping therapy can be an excellent addition to your wellness routine.

Contact Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness



Ready to experience the best acupuncture care in Southern NH? Contact Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness today:

📍 Location: 3 Mound Court Unit 4, Merrimack, NH 03054

📞 Phone: 603-377-6633

📧 Email: lotus@lotusacupuncturewellness.com

🌐 Website: www.lotusacupuncturewellness.com


With expert care, a patient-centered approach, and an ADA-accessible facility, Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness is the top choice for acupuncture in Merrimack, Amherst, Bedford, Milford, Nashua, Manchester, and beyond.


Take the first step toward natural healing and well-being—schedule your appointment today! ✨

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