Cupping Treatment
In ancient times, cupping known as the horn method, or the fire cup involved burning materials within a cup, to form a vacuum, which was then placed on the skin. The build-up of negative pressure pulls the skin into the cup leading to a therapeutic effect on tissue in the area. Cupping often leads to bruising which is an indication of blood congestion below the surface of the skin.
Cupping in diagnosis
Testing the degree of bleeding tendency:
If slight bleeding occurs over the cupping area, it may indicate some pathological changes in the capillaries. Cupping can induce a measles rash to appear more readily then it might have otherwise.
Testing edema:
When edema is difficult to detect with the naked eye, cupping can easily produce blisters.
The Mechanism of Cupping
The mechanism behind cupping is not well understood, and at present there is no definite data available. According to current research, it can be divided in two areas generalized and localized.
Generalized:
Due to the increase in the permeability of blood capillaries, which produce local bruising, it may induce self-hematolysis. This provides a mild degree of stimulation to the capillary system, which passes through the sensory nerves to the cortex.
Localized:
During cupping the area receives a form of heat therapy, which increases blood circulation, metabolic rate and nutrition. The bruising causes an alteration in osmotic pressure, increased lymphatic circulation and a strengthening of the system which defends against inflammation in the muscle tissue.
Cupping is a system that is still in wide use in Asia and here in the US. Common uses are; muscle skeletal pain, cold and flu, headaches, low back pain, digestive pain and discomfort and much more.
Cupping with Advanced Training & Experience
Andrew C Maloney L.Ac. Dipl.OM MSOM draws on formal training and years of clinical experience to tailor cupping for each patient—from gentle gliding cups for broad fascial release to targeted stationary or fire cups for stubborn knots.
He emphasizes comfort and safety, explains sensations before he begins, and adjusts intensity so you leave feeling looser, warmer, and able to breathe more deeply. In Boulder’s high-altitude, dry climate, his approach often supports chest openness during cold/flu seasons, speeds post-activity recovery, and helps calm an overtaxed nervous system.
Integrating Cupping with Electroacupuncture, Scalp Acupuncture, Dry Needling & Meridian Therapy
Cupping works even better when it’s part of a coordinated plan. Our practitioners may pair dry needling for precise trigger-point release with cupping to flush the area and reduce post-treatment soreness; use scalp acupuncture for headaches or stress while applying upper back cups to ease breathing; or add electroacupuncture to settle inflammation before finishing with gliding cups to restore circulation.
Meridian therapy guides where cups are placed along key channels, aligning local muscle relief with whole-system balance—an effective combination for pain, respiratory support, and faster recovery for active life on the Front Range.
*If this is a medical emergency please dial 911
*Not intended to be medical advice. Please seek advice from a licensed practitioner.