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

"I am new to the art and theory of Acupuncture.. I desire a holistic approach to my health and I’m trying to minimize all the medication’s that I’ve been directed to take. Savanna has been so informative on every aspect of, explaining the different points in my body and how they can work together in a restorative process, I’m so thankful for this process and for Savannah."

"I am new to the art and theory of Acupuncture.. I desire a holistic approach to my health and I’m trying to minimize all the medication’s that I’ve been directed to take. Savanna has been so informative on every aspect of, explaining the different points in my body and how they can work together in a restorative process, I’m so thankful for this process and for Savannah."

Shoulder pain and Knee pain

"I recently had the privilege of visiting Dr Savannah, an extraordinary acupuncture doctor, and my experience with her was nothing short of remarkable. After suffering from persistent pain and discomfort in my right scapula area for nearly five years, I was astounded by the miraculous results she achieved in a short period of time. I am delighted to share my exceptional journey and highly recommend this location to everyone in need of compassionate care.
From the moment I stepped into the clinic, I was greeted with warmth and a genuine concern for my well-being. The staff members were attentive, friendly, and displayed a deep understanding of their patients' health and recovery processes."

"I recently had the privilege of visiting Dr Savannah, an extraordinary acupuncture doctor, and my experience with her was nothing short of remarkable. After suffering from persistent pain and discomfort in my right scapula area for nearly five years, I was astounded by the miraculous results she achieved in a short period of time. I am delighted to share my exceptional journey and highly recommend this location to everyone in need of compassionate care.
From the moment I stepped into the clinic, I was greeted with warmth and a genuine concern for my well-being. The staff members were attentive, friendly, and displayed a deep understanding of their patients' health and recovery processes."

Scapula pain

"I love working with Savannah. She is very intuitive! Her diagnosis is accurate and her treatment is also to the point. She could heal my many many issues in less than a year that doctors in USA could not for many many years. I feel calm, less stressed and sleep better as norm now. I am still working with her and seems acupuncture is part of my life now.
What sets this location apart is their unwavering commitment to the well-being of their patients. Dr Savannah exhibited an unparalleled level of care and compassion throughout my entire healing journey. She patiently listened to my concerns, thoroughly assessed my condition, and tailored her treatments to suit my specific needs. Her dedication to my recovery was evident in her unwavering determination to find the most effective solutions. I would highly recommend Dr Savannah and this center to anyone!"

"I love working with Savannah. She is very intuitive! Her diagnosis is accurate and her treatment is also to the point. She could heal my many many issues in less than a year that doctors in USA could not for many many years. I feel calm, less stressed and sleep better as norm now. I am still working with her and seems acupuncture is part of my life now.
What sets this location apart is their unwavering commitment to the well-being of their patients. Dr Savannah exhibited an unparalleled level of care and compassion throughout my entire healing journey. She patiently listened to my concerns, thoroughly assessed my condition, and tailored her treatments to suit my specific needs. Her dedication to my recovery was evident in her unwavering determination to find the most effective solutions. I would highly recommend Dr Savannah and this center to anyone!"

Ongoing wellness