Cupping

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"Cupping helps jumpstart the body’s natural healing process by increasing blood flow within the treatment area. This has the effect of speeding up the healing process and soothing sore joints and muscles.”

Joanne Hillyer

What Is Cupping

Cupping therapy is an ancient healing technique from Traditional Chinese Medicine, practiced for thousands of years to relieve tension, improve circulation, and support detoxification. By placing suction cups on the skin, cupping draws blood flow to targeted areas, helping to release tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and speed recovery.
Modern studies support cupping for pain relief, improved mobility, and nervous system regulation, making it a valuable therapy for both acute and chronic conditions. Beyond musculoskeletal health, cupping also promotes skin vitality and lymphatic drainage—helping reduce puffiness, boost circulation, and enhance your natural glow. 

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Benefits Of Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is an ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine practice that helps support the body’s natural healing and balance. By creating gentle suction on the skin, cupping increases local circulation, supports lymphatic flow, and delivers oxygen and nutrients to targeted areas. This process promotes tissue recovery, relaxation, and relief of muscular tension caused by stress, overuse, or inactivity.

Cupping may also stimulate the lymphatic system, assisting the body’s natural detoxification and helping you feel lighter, more balanced, and rejuvenated—especially when incorporated into your regular wellness routine. Modern research supports cupping for pain relief, inflammation reduction, improved mobility, and stress relief. At Balance Art Acupuncture McLean, we often combine cupping with acupuncture to provide a personalized, holistic treatment for patients in McLean, Arlington, Falls Church, and the DC area.

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Gwenyth Paltrow - The Cupping Story

Cupping is a technique in which a glass cup or bamboo jar is suctioned onto the body and allowed to sit for about 10 minutes. Cupping stimulates the flow of blood, lymph, and Qi to the affected area; relieves swelling; and greatly enhances an acupuncture or electroacupuncture treatment. Its uses include relieving muscle pain, especially back pain from stiffness or injury; and clearing congestion in the chest, which can occur with common colds and influenza.

"It feels amazing and it's very relaxing, and it feels terrific," Paltrow told Winfrey. "It's just one of the alternative medicines that I do instead of taking antibiotics."

Gwyneth Paltrow, a longtime advocate of the benefits of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, once said that having acupuncture had guided her to a "new level" in life, helping her to find love with her husband and giving her the strength to cope with the death of her father.

"I have been a big fan of Chinese medicine for a long time because it works," Paltrow said.

What Cupping Treats:

Mental health

digestion

Chronic pain

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ongoing wellness

insomnia

FAQs

What is cupping therapy and how does it work?

Although cupping therapy has recently gained popularity among athletes and wellness enthusiasts, it has been practiced for thousands of years in Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern cultures—and its benefits are increasingly supported by modern research.
Cupping is a natural therapy that helps reduce inflammation, ease joint pain and stiffness, and support the body’s detoxification process. Beyond pain relief, its benefits include stress reduction, improved circulation, scar and varicose vein reduction, relief from congestion, enhanced digestion and metabolism, and increased flexibility.
At Balance Art Acupuncture McLean, cupping is integrated with acupuncture to provide a personalized, holistic approach to wellness for patients in McLean, Arlington, Falls Church, and the DC area.

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What conditions can cupping therapy treat?

Cupping therapy can help with muscle pain, joint stiffness, inflammation, and poor circulation. It is also used for stress, fatigue, allergies, respiratory congestion, digestive discomfort, and skin health. At Balance Art Acupuncture McLean, cupping is often combined with acupuncture to support whole-body healing.

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Does cupping therapy hurt?

Cupping therapy is generally not painful. You may feel a mild pulling sensation where the cups are applied, but this is typically not uncomfortable. After the treatment, it is common to have circular marks or slight bruising where the cups were placed, but these usually fade within a few days.

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What To Expect After Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy uses suction to stimulate muscles and fascia, increase blood flow, and relieve tension. After treatment, it’s important to drink plenty of water—this helps your body flush out toxins through the lymphatic system and supports full recovery.

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How long does a cupping session last?

A typical cupping session lasts between 5 and 30 minutes, depending on the specific treatment and condition being addressed. The cups may be placed for a few minutes or moved around in a technique known as "gliding cupping." The exact duration will depend on your practitioner’s assessment of your needs.

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How often should I receive cupping therapy?

The frequency of cupping therapy depends on the condition being treated and your personal needs. For acute issues, more frequent sessions (1-2 times per week) may be recommended initially. For general wellness or maintenance, monthly sessions may be enough to support your health and well-being. Your practitioner will guide you on the best plan for your individual case.


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If you’re suffering from a health condition that has been difficult to treat, call us for a consultation at 703-993-0809
The Balance Art Acupuncture McLean is conveniently located at:
1360 Beverly Rd Ste 201, McLean, VA 22101