Sliding Cupping Therapy London
Sliding (moving) cupping glides oiled suction cups across the back and other large muscle groups, combining the lift of cupping with a deep, massage-like stroke to release tight muscles and help you feel looser and lighter.
Book an appointment →Understanding Sliding Cupping Therapy
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Traditional Background
How Did Cupping Develop?
Cupping is an ancient therapy found in many traditional medical systems, including Chinese, Middle Eastern and European folk medicine. In China, early cups were made from animal horn and later bamboo, and the 4th-century physician Ge Hong described cupping in his Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies. Today glass and silicone cups are used, with suction created by a brief flame or a pump.
Sliding cupping (zou guan, “walking cups”) is a variation in which the skin is lightly oiled and the cup is moved along the muscles, usually following the channels on either side of the spine. In TCM theory, it is used to move stagnant Qi and Blood, relax the muscles and tendons, and release “wind”, “cold” and “damp” from the surface of the body.
Oilis applied so the cup can glide smoothlySuctiongently lifts the skin and muscleMovementalong the channels beside the spineReleaseof tension and stagnation in TCM termsFigure 1. The key elements of sliding cupping.
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Modern Scientific Perspective
How Does Sliding Cupping Work?
Instead of pressing down like a normal massage, cupping uses negative pressure to lift the skin and underlying tissue. Research on the effects of suction describes several possible mechanisms[1]:
Suction cup
gliding over the musclesTissue stretchNegative pressure stretches the skin, fascia and underlying muscle in a way hands alone cannot.Blood flowSuction dilates small blood vessels and increases local blood flow; this is also what causes the typical marks.Body’s responseAs the marks clear, the body produces substances with anti-inflammatory effects, which researchers suggest may contribute to cupping’s effects.Figure 2. Possible mechanisms of cupping described in the research literature[1].
A large review of randomised controlled trials found that cupping, including moving cupping, has been studied for a range of conditions and was generally safe, but most trials were of low methodological quality, so more rigorous research is needed[2]. A systematic review of Traditional Chinese Medicine for neck and low back pain concluded that cupping, like acupuncture and acupressure, may help with pain and disability from chronic neck or low back pain in the immediate term, though longer-term effects are less clear[3].
References
- Lowe DT. Cupping therapy: an analysis of the effects of suction on skin and the possible influence on human health. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2017;29:162–168. doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.09.008
- Cao H, Li X, Liu J. An updated review of the efficacy of cupping therapy. PLoS One. 2012;7(2):e31793. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0031793
- Yuan QL, Guo TM, Liu L, Sun F, Zhang YG. Traditional Chinese medicine for neck pain and low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2015;10(2):e0117146. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0117146
What you need to know
- 1Before your treatment
What to Prepare
If you have any medical reports, examination or test results, feel free to bring them with you. They can help us better understand your condition, but they are not necessary.
Please let your practitioner know if you are pregnant, bruise easily, have a bleeding disorder, take blood-thinning medication, or have broken skin, sunburn or a skin condition on your back.
- 2During your treatment
What to Expect
- Wear comfortable clothing, and make sure you are neither too full nor too hungry.
- A light layer of oil is applied to the treatment area, usually the back.
- Your practitioner creates gentle suction in the cup, then slides it slowly along the muscles.
- It can feel like a deep pulling massage. It can be uncomfortable over tight areas or not painful at all; your practitioner will keep checking with you and find the right pressure for you.
- 3After your treatment
Aftercare
- Keep the treatment area clean and dry.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours after the treatment.
- You can shower and carry on with your daily activities, but avoid soaking in water, such as a bath or swimming, for 24 hours.
- Keep warm and hydrated.
Red or purple marks are normal after cupping. They are not painful bruises from injury and usually fade within 3–7 days.
Conditions sliding cupping may help with
Sliding cupping is most often used on the back, shoulders and legs. These are some of the most common reasons our patients choose it.
Back pain & stiffness
Tight, aching back muscles. Cupping has been studied for chronic low back pain, with some short-term benefit reported.
Learn more →Neck & shoulder tension
Knotted shoulders and a stiff neck from posture or stress.
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Sports recovery
Many active people choose sliding cupping to help tired, tight muscles feel looser after training.
Sciatica-type tightness
Tight lower back and buttock muscles that can accompany sciatic pain.
Learn more →
Stress & tension
Physical tension that builds up with stress. Many patients find the treatment deeply relaxing.
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Fatigue & heaviness
Feeling heavy, sluggish or run down, which TCM may link to damp and stagnation.
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Colds & catching chills
In TCM, cupping on the upper back is traditionally used at the first signs of a common cold to release “wind-cold”.
Learn more →Your practitioner will assess whether sliding cupping is right for you at your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Is it painful?
How long do the marks last?
Can I shower or exercise afterwards?
What is the difference between sliding cupping and static cupping?
Who should avoid cupping?
Still have a question? Ask our practitioners.
What our patients say on Google
I had acupuncture and cupping with Emma, and she truly worked wonders on my back and neck. I came in barely able to turn my head, and now I feel so much better relaxed, pain-free, and mobile again. I’d had a bad experience elsewhere before, but Emma completely turned things around. Highly recommend!
I am very satisfied with the herbal remedies for perimenopause. I don't have hot flashes after the medication. And electric acupuncture soothes my plantar fascists on both feet. The capsules for bowel movement are working very well.
The staff specially Yao meng did an excellent job. In addition she is very kind and explain to the patients what to expect. Thank you very much.
I highly recommend Acupro. They are very professional and take the time to tailor your treatment for you.
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