Cupping Set Reference Guide
Choosing Your Cups by Material and Style
Each cupping set has real, documented tradeoffs. Here's how they compare for professional use.
| Type | Cost | Pro | Con | Works best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone base cups (mushroom-style) | $ | Greatest treatment variety, adjustable suction, personalized pressure control | Sets typically include one of each size, additional sets needed for larger areas | All cupping techniques, all areas of the body |
| Silicone dome sets | $ | Most ergonomic for the practitioner, softer grip, wider lip | Best suited specifically to dynamic (massage) cupping | Dynamic massage cupping on longer areas of the body |
| Silicone button sets | $ | Adheres to areas other cups can't reach, joints and feet, gentle suction | Best suited to static and kinetic cupping specifically | Gentle cupping on hard-to-reach areas |
| Plastic vacuum sets (hand pump) | $$$ | Best control of pressure, greater visibility of tissue reaction, larger cup selection | Don't contour to the body as closely, can release unexpectedly | Static cupping across all body areas, scar tissue and sports therapy |
| Glass facial sets | $$$ | Contoured for facial work, pairs naturally with spa treatments | Requires more care to clean | Facial and neck skin work |
Understanding Hardness Levels
Global Cupping's silicone base cups are manufactured in three durometer (firmness) levels. Softer silicone requires more hand manipulation for deep suction and is generally better suited to gliding, massage-style techniques and newer practitioners. Firmer silicone holds suction with less manual effort and is better suited to targeted stationary work. For a full comparison with real-world guidance on matching hardness to technique, see our complete guide to cupping hardness levels.
| Hardness | Feel | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| 55 | Softest | Gliding and massage cupping, sensitive areas, newer practitioners |
| 60 | Medium | General-purpose myofascial work, most treatment areas |
| 65 | Firmest | Deep, targeted fascial adhesion work, experienced practitioners |
Base Cup Sets, by Size and Hardness
| Product | Hardness options | Recommended treatment area |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small Base Cup (Set of 2) | 55, 60 | Face, hands, small joints |
| Small Base Cup (Set of 2) | 55, 60 | Neck, forearms, smaller muscle groups |
| Medium Base Cup (Set of 2) | 55, 60 | Shoulders, calves, general body work |
| Large Base Cup (Set of 2) | 55, 60 | Back, thighs, glutes |
| Base Cupping Set (4-piece set) | 55, 60, 65 | Full-body treatment, complete starter set |
Specialty and Facial Equipment
| Product | Material | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Dome Cupping Set | Silicone | Facial and delicate-area dynamic cupping |
| Facial Cupping Set, 3-piece | Silicone | Targeted facial treatment, entry-level facial kit |
| Oval Facial Cupping Set | Silicone | Contoured facial areas |
| Glass Facial Cupping Set | Glass | Practitioners preferring traditional glass technique |
| Amethyst Gua Sha Set | Amethyst stone | Temporary circulation and de-puffing effect as part of a facial routine |
| Electric Vacuum Hand Pump | N/A | For use with plastic or polycarbonate cupping sets; reduces hand fatigue during high-volume use |
For Educators
| Product | Contents | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Button Cupping Set | 4 pieces | Classroom demonstration, introductory technique |
| Base Cupping Set, 55 Hardness | 4 pieces (1 large, 1 medium, 1 small, 1 extra-small) | Teaching fundamentals with the softest hardness, suited to newer practitioners |
| Dome Cupping Set | 2 pieces (1 large, 1 medium) | Teaching dynamic (massage) cupping technique |
| Oval Facial Cupping Set | 2-piece or 4-piece options | Introducing facial cupping techniques to students |
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