Have you heard about cupping therapy – those strange round marks athletes and celebrities have been sporting? In the 2016 Olympics, swimmer Michael Phelps turned heads with circular bruised-looking spots on his shoulders, sparking worldwide curiosity about this ancient practice[1]. Cupping therapy is not a new fad; it’s a healing technique that’s thousands of years old. Now, this ancient relief is helping people with modern aches right here in Chillicothe, MO. In this article, we’ll explain what cupping is, how it works, its benefits, and what to expect during a session at The Well-House Chiropractic. Whether you’re struggling with stubborn muscle pain or just feeling curious, read on to learn if cupping therapy might be the natural solution for you.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a form of traditional medicine in which a therapist places special cups on your skin to create suction. This suction gently pulls the skin and underlying tissue upward into the cup. Cupping originated in ancient cultures – it was practiced in China, the Middle East, and Egypt thousands of years ago[2]. Over the centuries, it was used for a wide range of ailments. Today, cupping is seeing a comeback around the world, and it’s no longer confined to folk medicine; even chiropractors and physical therapists use it as a therapeutic tool. In fact, cupping is a versatile therapy that benefits overall health and addresses many localized issues, from muscle knots to tension headaches[3].
You might be wondering why people would choose to have suction cups placed on their backs or shoulders. Advocates of cupping report that it can promote healing and relief for sore muscles and various other conditions[4]. In traditional Chinese medicine, cupping is thought to improve the flow of “Qi” (energy) and blood. In more modern terms, cupping increases local blood circulation and may help loosen tight tissues. Dry cupping (the method we use at our clinic) involves suction only, while wet cupping involves a small incision to draw out a bit of blood – but don’t worry, we stick to dry cupping for a safe, non-invasive experience. Celebrities and athletes have popularized cupping in recent years (remember those polka-dot marks on Olympians?), bringing this ancient remedy into the mainstream[5].
How Does Cupping Work?
During a cupping therapy session, the therapist (for example, our chiropractor or trained staff member) will place one or more cups on your skin and create a vacuum inside them. Traditionally, cups were heated to create suction as they cooled. Nowadays, we often use plastic or silicone cups with a hand-pump to easily control the suction. When the air is removed from the cup, your skin is drawn up into it. This suction draws blood flow to the area and causes the skin to rise slightly inside the cup[6]. You might see the skin under the cup turn red or purple – that’s a result of tiny blood vessels expanding and breaking under the pressure (similar to a hickey or bruise). Don’t be alarmed; this is part of the process. By causing these controlled micro-traumas, cupping jump-starts your body’s healing response, bringing in fresh oxygenated blood and nutrients to repair the area[6].
From a musculoskeletal perspective, cupping provides a unique form of myofascial release therapy. Think of it as the opposite of a deep-tissue massage: instead of pressing into the muscle and fascia, we are pulling them up. This negative pressure helps lift and separate tight fascial layers, enhancing blood flow and letting muscles move more freely[7]. Many patients report that areas of chronic tension feel “looser” and more flexible after cupping. There are also some interesting scientific theories about how cupping works to reduce pain. One theory is that the suction and pressure stimulate nerve fibers that interfere with pain signals (the “pain-gate” theory in neuroscience)[8]. Cupping may also trigger the release of endorphins – your body’s natural painkillers – and reduce inflammation in the treated area. In simpler terms, cupping therapy helps break the cycle of muscle tightness and pain by boosting circulation, easing pressure on nerves, and relaxing knotted tissues.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Why try cupping? For many people, the biggest benefit is natural pain relief. Cupping is most famous for easing muscle and joint aches – for example, persistent back and neck pain or tight shoulders from desk work. By improving blood flow and releasing tension, cupping can provide relief and speed up muscle recovery after hard work or exercise[9]. Many people who’ve had cupping therapy report that it reduces pain and inflammation, decreases muscle tightness, improves blood flow, and even increases their range of motion[9]. If you’re an athlete (or just very active), cupping might help you bounce back faster from workouts or injuries. In fact, some sports physical therapists use cupping (also called myofascial decompression in sports medicine) to improve mobility and help with issues like IT-band tightness or shoulder impingement.
Beyond muscle pain, cupping has been used (traditionally or anecdotally) for a variety of health issues. These include tension headaches and migraines, knee arthritis, and even respiratory problems like asthma[10]. Some people find that cupping the upper back can relieve chest congestion or coughs by improving lung Qi (in Eastern medicine terms) or blood flow (in Western terms). Cupping is not a magic cure-all, but it can be a helpful complementary therapy. There is growing research interest in cupping’s effectiveness. For instance, a 2023 scientific review found that cupping might provide relief for musculoskeletal pain conditions, including chronic neck and back pain – though the researchers noted the evidence quality was limited and more studies are needed[11]. Another review found it effective for lower back pain, especially with wet cupping[12]. What this tells us is that while we need more data, a lot of people are experiencing real relief with cupping. It’s considered a safe addition to conventional treatments for pain. At The Well-House Chiropractic, we view cupping as one tool in our holistic toolkit – often complementing chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and exercises as part of a comprehensive pain relief plan.
One more interesting benefit: relaxation. Similar to a massage, cupping can be deeply relaxing for many patients. The warmth and suction of the cups can induce a calm, soothing feeling once you get used to it. People often emerge from a cupping session feeling not only physically better but also less stressed. In traditional belief, cupping helps balance energy and remove “toxins”, giving an overall wellness boost[13]. Modern science would translate that as increased circulation helping to clear metabolic waste from tissues[14]. Either way, you might notice improvements like better sleep or reduced anxiety after a cupping session. When your body isn’t tied up in knots, you simply feel better!
What to Expect During a Cupping Session
If you decide to give cupping therapy in Chillicothe a try, here’s how a typical session at our clinic goes. First, we’ll discuss your needs and pinpoint the areas that need attention – say, stiff neck and shoulders, or lower back tension. You’ll lie down or sit comfortably, and we’ll expose only the area being treated (we respect your privacy and keep you draped appropriately). The practitioner will then place a few cups (usually 3–6 cups depending on area) on your skin. We might apply a bit of oil or lotion to help the cups glide if we plan to do any sliding cupping massage. Using a small hand-pump, we create suction in the cups. You’ll feel a tight pulling sensation as your skin rises into the cup. It might feel unusual at first – somewhat like a deep suction or as if someone is gently “lifting” your skin – but it should not be painful[15]. Most people get used to the feeling within a minute or two. We always check in with you to ensure the pressure is comfortable. If anything hurts, we can release some suction or remove the cup. Our goal is a therapeutic level of pressure, not pain.
The cups are typically left in place for 5 to 10 minutes while you relax. You can breathe deeply and let the therapy do its work. You might notice a warm sensation as blood rushes to the area under each cup. Sometimes, we may gently move the cups around (gliding cupping) to massage the area – this can further help release tight fascia and muscle knots. Once time is up, we remove the cups by releasing the suction. This is done by a simple valve or by pressing on the skin next to the cup to let air in – it doesn’t hurt at all. When the cups come off, you’ll see round, red or purple marks on those spots. Don’t worry, these marks are normal and temporary[16]. They are not bruises from impact, but rather the result of blood being drawn to the surface. Each mark typically fades within a week (often 3–7 days)[16]. They might be darkest if you had a lot of stagnation in that area and lighter if not. We’ll usually wipe the area, apply some soothing lotion if needed, and that’s it! Many patients feel an immediate sense of relief – like a weight or tightness has been lifted. You may feel a little soreness afterward (similar to how you’d feel after a deep massage or a good workout), but you shouldn’t have significant pain[15]. We recommend drinking some water after your session to stay hydrated and help your body flush out any waste byproducts. You can go about your day normally; just treat the area gently if it feels tender. And yes, you can absolutely show off your “cupping badges” to curious friends – they often spark a great conversation about this therapy!
Is Cupping Safe? (Marks, Side Effects & Myths)
One of the most common questions we get is about safety and those bright circular marks. The good news: cupping therapy is generally very safe when performed by a trained professional[17]. We have extensive training and follow proper protocols at The Well-House Chiropractic to ensure a clean, safe experience. The cups and skin are cleaned before and after treatment, and we use disposable or thoroughly sanitized equipment. As mentioned, the primary after-effect – the red/purple marks – is expected. These marks are not painful and will fade on their own[18][16]. In fact, many cupping enthusiasts wear their marks proudly as a sign of tension released! You might have slight skin redness or mild soreness around the area for a short time. Serious side effects are extremely rare. On infrequent occasions, if cups are left on too long or skin is sensitive, a small blister could form, but we monitor closely to prevent this. Skin infection is very uncommon, especially with proper hygiene (we clean skin and never cup over open wounds or infected areas).
We will also make sure cupping is appropriate for you. While cupping can help a wide range of people, there are a few contraindications. For example, we avoid cupping on areas with deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) or over varicose veins, open cuts, or active skin rashes. Cupping is not recommended if you’re pregnant (especially on the abdomen or lower back) just out of caution. If you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners, we’ll either take extra precautions or advise against cupping, since you could bruise more easily. Also, people with severe heart disease or extreme health frailty should consult with their doctor first. We evaluate each patient individually – your safety is our top priority. The vast majority of people, however, tolerate cupping very well. Most experts agree that cupping is safe as long as you don’t mind the temporary discolorations on the skin[18]. Those marks often look dramatic but are essentially the only “side effect” you’ll notice. There’s no medication involved, and it’s non-invasive, which is why many folks consider cupping a gentle alternative for pain relief. We like to say: with cupping, you might mark before you spark (feel that spark of relief)!
Cupping Therapy Near Me in Chillicothe, MO
If you’ve been searching for “cupping therapy near me” and you’re in the Chillicothe or north-central Missouri area, you’re in luck. The Well-House Chiropractic offers professional cupping therapy in Chillicothe, MO as part of our holistic services. We are excited to bring this ancient healing art to our local community. Our chiropractor Dr. Arthaud (who is not only a Doctor of Chiropractic but also a registered nurse) is uniquely qualified in blending traditional and modern therapies safely. You’ll be in experienced hands. We’ve introduced cupping to many of our patients from Chillicothe and surrounding towns like Trenton, Cameron, and Brookfield. The response has been fantastic. One local patient, John from Trenton, tried cupping for his chronic shoulder pain and noticed significantly improved mobility and reduced pain after just a couple of sessions. He was pleasantly surprised to find relief where other methods hadn’t quite done the trick. Stories like John’s are becoming common as more people give cupping a try.
At our clinic, we often combine cupping with other treatments to maximize results. For example, if you come in with lower back pain, we might do a chiropractic adjustment, some gentle stretching, and finish with cupping on the tight muscle areas. The cupping helps keep those muscles relaxed after an adjustment, so your spine stays in alignment with less resistance. We’ve found that this integrative approach can speed up healing and provide longer-lasting relief. Cupping can also pair well with myofascial release techniques and therapeutic exercise – part of a comprehensive plan to tackle pain from multiple angles. Our goal is not just temporary relief, but improved function and wellness.
Ready to experience this ancient remedy for yourself? Cupping therapy may look a little odd, but its effects can be amazing. If you’re dealing with stubborn aches, tight spots, or just want to boost your overall wellness, consider giving cupping a try at The Well-House Chiropractic. We’re proud to be one of the few clinics in the Chillicothe area offering this service. By bringing together time-tested therapies like cupping with modern chiropractic care, we help our patients find natural relief for their modern aches and pains. Sometimes, the old ways really do work wonders! Feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule a session. We’re here to help you feel your best – ancient tools and modern techniques united, for your health.
FAQs
What are the benefits of cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy offers several potential benefits. Most commonly, it helps relieve muscle and joint pain by improving blood circulation and releasing areas of tightness. People use cupping to alleviate back and neck pain, shoulder stiffness, migraines, knee pain, and even arthritis. Many athletes use it to speed up muscle recovery. Cupping may also promote relaxation and reduce stress by easing tension in the body. Some report improvements in overall wellness and immune function, as cupping can stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid (helping the body eliminate toxins and waste). While individual results vary, the general benefits include pain relief, reduced muscle tightness, better range of motion, and a sense of rejuvenation[9].
Does cupping therapy hurt?
Cupping therapy should not hurt. During the treatment, you will feel a strong suction or pulling sensation on your skin where the cups are placed, but it’s usually described as odd yet soothing rather than painful. The practitioner can adjust the suction level to keep you comfortable. You might feel a bit of tightness or warmth under the cups, similar to the feeling of a deep tissue massage (but via pulling instead of pressure). After the session, the areas where cups were applied can feel like they’re slightly bruised – kind of how you’d feel after a good workout – but it’s generally mild and temporary[15]. If at any point in your session you do feel pain, let the provider know immediately so they can release some pressure. Cupping is meant to relieve pain, not cause it!
How long do cupping therapy marks last?
The circular marks from cupping are temporary. They often start as red or deep purple and then fade through shades of brown or yellow, much like a bruise would. In most cases, cupping marks last about 3 to 7 days on the skin[16]. If it’s your first time or if a lot of suction was used, they might linger closer to a week or slightly more. The marks are caused by blood being drawn to the surface and tiny capillaries breaking – it’s a normal response and not harmful. They are not scars or burns, so they will disappear completely as your body reabsorbs the blood just under the skin. Each person’s healing time is a bit different, but you can expect them to be gone within a week or two at most. In the meantime, you can wear them proudly (many people are curious when they see them)! If you prefer to cover them, just wear clothing that hides the area – no other special care is needed for the marks.
Is cupping therapy safe for everyone?
Cupping therapy is considered safe for most people, especially when performed by a trained professional under clean conditions[18]. However, there are some cases where we either avoid cupping or proceed with caution. You should not get cupping if you are pregnant, as we avoid any risk to mom and baby. Also, if you have a bleeding disorder (like hemophilia) or are on blood-thinning medication, cupping might cause more bruising or bleeding under the skin, so it’s usually not recommended. We won’t perform cupping over areas with active skin problems – such as open wounds, infections, severe eczema/psoriasis lesions – to prevent aggravating those issues. People with serious heart problems or who have a pacemaker should consult their doctor before cupping (generally, light cupping away from the chest might be okay, but medical advice is important). We also skip cupping on areas with deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) or over varicose veins. Children and very elderly individuals are usually not cupped, or only with very light technique. Our clinic will go over your health history to ensure cupping is safe for you. For the vast majority, cupping is a low-risk therapy – the main side effect being those temporary marks. It’s always wise to choose experienced providers (like our team at The Well-House Chiropractic) so you know you’re in good hands.
How often should I get cupping therapy?
The frequency of cupping therapy can depend on your condition and goals. For general muscle maintenance or mild issues, some people get cupping once a month or every few weeks as needed. If you’re addressing a specific problem (like chronic back pain or a sports injury), we might recommend a series of sessions closer together at first – for example, one session per week for 4-6 weeks – and then taper off to maintenance sessions. You should always give the marks time to fully clear or at least lighten significantly before the next cupping in that same area (typically waiting about a week). It’s also important to monitor how you feel: if you notice great relief that lasts, you might only do it occasionally when tension builds up again. On the other hand, during acute phases of pain or training, a couple of sessions in a week might be beneficial (we would use gentler cupping in such cases). We will create a personalized plan for you. Cupping can be used “as needed” – some of our patients call in for a quick cupping session when they feel a flare-up of muscle tightness, much like getting a massage. Listen to your body and professional advice; together, we’ll find the right frequency to keep you feeling your best.
Sources:
- StatPearls – Cupping Therapy. (NCBI Bookshelf, updated 2023) – “Cupping is a versatile therapy that benefits overall health… Dry and wet cupping techniques can be applied for effective musculoskeletal pain relief.” [3]
- Harvard Health Publishing – What exactly is cupping? (July 29, 2024) – Discusses cupping’s popularity (e.g., Michael Phelps in 2016), traditional uses, unclear mechanisms, and notes that experts consider it safe aside from temporary marks[1][18].
- Cleveland Clinic – Cupping Therapy: Definition, Types & Benefits. (Accessed 2025) – Explains how cupping works (suction drawing blood to the area, promoting healing), benefits like pain relief, reduced inflammation, and improved range of motion, and notes that cupping marks fade within a week or two[6][16][9].
- MedBridge – The Science of Fascia: How Cupping Therapy Enhances Mobility and Reduces Pain. (2021) – Details how cupping lifts and separates fascial layers, increasing blood flow and reducing tissue tightness, thereby allowing smoother muscle movement and pain reduction[7].
- Harvard Health Publishing – 2023 review on cupping therapy. (Referenced in Shmerling’s article, 2024) – Reports that recent reviews found cupping can relieve neck and back pain in musculoskeletal conditions, although evidence quality is limited and more research is needed[11].
- Harvard Health Publishing – Cupping safety notes. (July 29, 2024) – Confirms that most experts agree cupping is safe, with side effects usually limited to the circular skin discolorations and slight pinch; serious complications are rare[17].
[1] [2] [4] [5] [10] [11] [12] [13] [17] [18] What exactly is cupping? – Harvard Health
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-exactly-is-cupping-2016093010402
[3] [8] Cupping Therapy – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538253/
[6] [9] [15] [16] Cupping Therapy: Definition, Types & Benefits
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16554-cupping
[7] [14] The Science of Fascia: How Cupping Therapy Enhances Mobility and Reduces Pain | Medbridge