What is Cupping?

Cupping is an ancient form of Chinese therapy. It involves using cupping glasses to create suction on the skin, thereby stimulating blood flow and promoting healing in specific areas. Cupping glasses are the cups that are used for cupping therapy. They can be glass or plastic and normally consist of a rounded bottom with a hollow area, which is sealed by a rubber stopper. This flexible cupping glass can be placed on specific points along the spine to stimulate blood flow in the back.

Cupping in Adelaide

What are the Benefits of Cupping?

Cupping can effectively address a wide range of health issues as it removes excess heat from the body, enhances blood circulation and stimulates lymphatic flow. It works by creating localized pressure through suctioning techniques using cupping glasses to draw out stagnated energy from muscles, meridians, organs, soft tissues, etc. The cup should not break the skin but instead cling to the skin via suction. Cupping is typically used as a treatment for pain management, and more significantly it has been found to be helpful in treating the following:

  • Asthma
  • Colds and flu
  • Allergies
  • Back pain
  • Stress
  • Circulatory diseases
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome 
  • Soft tissue injury
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Ulcers
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Wrinkles and fine lines 
  • Cellulite

How Much Does Cupping in Adelaide Cost?

In Adelaide, a cupping therapy typically costs between $50 and $80, depending on how long it lasts. Prices will also vary according to the cupping method used by the practitioner and the type and number of cups used.

How Many Cupping Practitioners are There in Adelaide?

Cupping is one of the core areas of qualified acupuncturists, as is moxibustion. Australia has about 4,000 certified acupuncturists, with over 5% residing in Adelaide and other areas of South Australia. They work in holistic clinics, hospitals, spas or in private practice. 

How Many People in Adelaide Use Cupping?

Although there is no data available on the number of Adelaide residents or those in other parts of South Australia who use cupping, research indicates that it is highly utilised in the whole of Australia thanks to its efficacy in treating a wide range of conditions. A 2012 report prepared by Australian and Chinese academic researchers (Cao, et al.) showed that cupping, when used alongside other treatments like acupuncture, is an effective treatment for herpes zoster, cervical spondylosis and facial paralysis.