Technique varies slightly by cup type. Here's how to seat and release suction properly for each set we carry, along with the one removal habit that prevents most of the bruising people associate with cupping.
A quick note before you start: review contraindications and areas to never cup if you haven't already, and keep an eye on the skin under the cup throughout the session. Some redness is normal; anything approaching a dark bruise or blistering is a sign to release the cup and use less suction next time.
To get a good seal, apply a massage lotion or oil first. Hold the cup with your index, middle, and ring fingers around the edge, and press the top down with the palm of your hand while lifting the edge slightly with your fingertips to release the air inside. As you push down with your palm, release your fingers from the edge so the cup suctions to the skin. This takes some practice to get the suction level right.
Alternatively, squeeze the sides of the cup into an oblong shape before pressing it to the skin. Once sealed, you can slide it back and forth for the gliding technique or leave it in place for several minutes for static work.
Apply lotion or oil the same way. Hold the cup in the palm of your hand with your fingers wrapped around its body, and gently squeeze to release the air inside. Once you feel good suction against the skin, release your hand. As with the Base set, this takes some practice.
Place the cup against the skin and push down on the rounded top to create suction. For a bit more hold, pinch the sides of the cup into an oblong shape before placing it and releasing; this generally produces a medium level of suction.
For maximum suction, pull the sides of the cup down until it fully inverts, or "flips," so the rim you're pressing to the skin is the surface that was originally facing inward. Press firmly around the edges to seat it once it's flipped. This level of suction can be uncomfortable for some clients, so introduce it gradually rather than starting here.
Removing your cups
To release a cup, gently tilt it to the side and slide a fingertip between the skin and the rim to break the seal. Never pull a cup straight off the skin. Doing so can cause more bruising and tissue irritation than the treatment itself, and it's an easy habit to avoid once you know the tilt-and-release method.
Reviewed by the Global Cupping Team
