How does the cupping process work and feel?

For first time cupping patients, it may be difficult at first to feel comfortable lying faced down and shirtless while someone lights up a set of glass cups with flames then places them on your back. But the sensation is oddly comfortable. The heat is warm, and the suction is at first tight but you begin to feel the release of stagnant energy within.

Before the actual treatment, an initial survey of the patient’s lifestyle and observation of the his/her pulse, tongue and skin colour by the TCM doctor will provide a clearer understanding the patient’s condition. The therapy begins with “flash cupping”, a method that involves rapidly placing and removing the suction cups on different areas of the body. This helps reveal which areas of the body have the most blood stasis or dampness (water retention) which helps determine which areas to target. The cups  are then left on for up to 10 minutes.