Fire cupping therapy is a traditional healing practice that involves placing glass cups on the skin and using heat to create suction. It’s commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), but similar methods are also found in other cultures.

What Is Fire Cupping?

In fire cupping, a practitioner briefly places a flame inside a glass cup to heat the air. Then, they quickly place the cup on the skin. As the air cools, it contracts, creating suction that pulls the skin slightly into the cup.

The suction is believed to:

• Promote blood flow

• Reduce inflammation

• Relieve muscle tension

• Support healing
  
  

Claimed Benefits

Although scientific evidence is limited, fire cupping is often used for:

• Muscle pain and soreness

• Back and neck pain

• Headaches

• Respiratory issues (e.g., asthma, bronchitis)

• Stress and anxiety

Some people use it as part of recovery routines for athletic performance.

It’s not recommended for people with:

• Bleeding disorders

• Skin ulcers or infections

• Serious cardiovascular conditions

• Pregnancy (without medical approval)

 Types of Cupping

Besides fire cupping, there are other types:

• Dry cupping: Uses suction only, no heat.

• Wet cupping: Involves small incisions on the skin before cupping to draw out a small amount of blood.

• Massage cupping: Uses oil and moving cups for dynamic therapy.

What to Expect During a Session

1. You lie down, often on your stomach.

2. The practitioner heats and applies the cups to specific areas.

3. Cups are left in place for 5–15 minutes.

4. You may feel tightness, warmth, or tingling.