Cupping Therapy

Cupping is one of several techniques that may be considered as part of a broader approach to care at Life Balance Adjustments.

It involves the use of specially designed cups that create gentle to moderate suction on the skin, lifting the superficial tissues rather than compressing them.

This provides a different way of exploring areas of muscle tension, soft tissue restriction and how different regions of the body may be interacting as part of an individualised assessment.

Cupping is not used in isolation. It may be considered alongside joint movement, posture, muscle function and overall movement patterns to help build a clearer understanding of how the body is functioning as a whole.

A Technique with Traditional Roots

Cupping is most commonly associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it has been used for many centuries as part of a broader system that considers balance, movement and overall function.

Variations of cupping have also appeared across different cultures, reflecting its long-standing role in hands-on approaches to care.

In modern clinical settings, cupping may be used alongside other techniques as part of an individualised,  whole-person approach.

How Cupping May Be Understood Mechanically

Unlike many hands-on techniques that apply pressure into the body, cupping works by gently lifting the skin and superficial tissues upward into the cup.

This lifting effect offers a different way of approaching areas that feel tight, restricted or “bound down”, particularly where other approaches may not have created lasting change.

For movement to feel comfortable and coordinated, these tissues need to be able to glide and function independently rather than moving as a single unit.

Where this independence is reduced, movement may feel more restricted, less coordinated or harder to perform comfortably. In some cases, this may also influence how forces are distributed through surrounding joints and soft tissues over time.

Cupping may be considered as one way of exploring whether improving local tissue interaction and reducing superficial tension may support more comfortable movement.

Different Approaches to Cupping at Life Balance Adjustments

At Life Balance Adjustments, different cupping approaches may be used depending on the area being explored and the overall goals of care.

Traditional Fire Cupping

Traditional fire cupping involves the use of glass cups, where a flame is briefly introduced inside the cup before placement on the skin.

As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a pressure difference, allowing the superficial tissues to be gently drawn into the cup.

This method is often used across broader areas such as the back, where multiple cups may be applied at once. The warmth of the glass and placement of the cups can create a unique sensory experience, which some people find relaxing.

For more information on how back pain may be understood and supported within a broader approach to care, you can explore our Back Pain and Chiropractic Care page.

Vacuum (Pump) Cupping

Vacuum cupping uses a handheld pump to create suction within the cup.

This allows for more precise control over the level of suction, which may be useful when working around more specific or sensitive areas.

The ability to adjust suction may allow for a more tailored approach depending on the area and individual comfort.

Why Some Areas May Have Felt Persistently Tight

Many people describe repeatedly stretching the same area, only to find the tightness returns again quite quickly.

In some cases, this may suggest that the issue is not simply related to muscle length, but to how surrounding tissues are interacting.

Where tissues are not moving as freely in relation to one another, stretching alone may not always influence the underlying pattern.

Cupping provides a different mechanical input by lifting and decompressing the superficial layers, which some people choose to include when an area has felt persistently tight or restricted.

Over time, where areas of muscle tension are left unaddressed, this may begin to influence posture and movement patterns, sometimes contributing to broader postural imbalances.

For example, when muscles at the front of the chest remain more dominant or tight compared to those of the upper back, this may influence shoulder positioning and posture, sometimes described as upper crossed patterns.

Similarly, in the lower body, where hip flexors and lower back muscles appear more dominant relative to the abdominal and gluteal muscles, this may influence pelvic positioning and movement patterns, sometimes described as lower crossed patterns.

Cupping Marks “Cupping Kisses”

Cupping may leave temporary circular marks on the skin, often referred to as “cupping marks”, or at Life Balance Adjustments, endearingly as “cupping kisses”.

These marks are generally not bruises in the traditional sense. They are thought to reflect changes in superficial circulation in the area where the cup has been applied.

The appearance and duration of these marks can vary between individuals and typically fade over several days.

This is something that is discussed prior to care so you know what to expect.

A Broader Soft Tissue Perspective

Soft tissues rely on movement, circulation and variability to function well.

When an area remains under ongoing tension, it may feel tight, less adaptable or more sensitive to movement.

Some research has explored whether cupping may influence local tissue stiffness and superficial blood flow, although the evidence base is still evolving.

For this reason, cupping is considered as one of several approaches that may be included depending on the individual situation.

How Cupping May Fit Into Care

Cupping is one of several techniques that may be considered as part of care with Dr Kez (Chiro).

A combination of approaches may be used depending on what is considered appropriate for you.

This reflects the broader way care is approached at Life Balance Adjustments, where assessment considers the whole person rather than focusing on one isolated area.

You can learn more about this in Our Approach page.

Cupping may also be considered alongside other options within Chiropractic Care, depending on your preferences and what is identified during assessment.

Not Sure If This Approach Is Right for You?

Every person’s situation is different.

An initial consultation provides an opportunity to explore your concerns and discuss what approaches may be appropriate for you.

If you would like to understand how care begins, including what to expect during your first visit, you can explore our What to Expect on Your First Visit page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cupping Therapy

What does cupping feel like?

People often describe a gentle pulling or lifting sensation on the skin.

The intensity can be adjusted depending on comfort. With fire cupping, this sensation may also include a feeling of warmth, which some people find relaxing.

Are cupping marks normal?

Yes, temporary circular marks can occur.

These are thought to reflect changes in superficial blood flow while the cups are applied and typically fade over several days. If you have any questions or concerns, this can be discussed prior to treatment.

How long do the marks last?

Yes, temporary circular marks can occur. These are thought to reflect changes in superficial blood flow while the cups are applied and typically fade over several days.

In clinical practice, Dr Kez has observed that the appearance of these marks can vary between individuals. In some cases, areas that feel more tense or restricted may be associated with marks that appear deeper in colour or take slightly longer to fade, although this can vary from person to person.

If you have any questions or concerns, this can be discussed prior to treatment.

Is cupping used on its own?

Cupping may be used on its own in some cases, but it is often considered alongside other approaches as part of an individualised plan of care. You can explore some of the other techniques and modalities used at Life Balance Adjustments.

Can cupping be used for everyone?

Suitability depends on the individual, which is why assessment is important before deciding what approaches may be appropriate. In some cases, such as when a person is taking blood-thinning medication or has certain health considerations, it may be important to discuss this prior to treatment.