What Is Cupping Therapy? Benefits, Science, and What to Expect in a Session
If you’ve ever seen athletes or celebrities with circular marks on their back and wondered what it’s all about, you’ve likely seen the effects of cupping therapy—an ancient healing practice that’s making a major comeback. At Bodywork by Darin in Pacific Beach, San Diego, cupping is one of the therapeutic techniques I offer to help relieve pain, release tension, and support your body’s natural healing process.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through what cupping therapy is, how it works, who it’s for, and what you can expect when you book a session.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a form of myofascial decompression that uses suction to lift the soft tissue. Traditionally, cupping originated in Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine and has been used for thousands of years to move stagnant blood, release toxins, and balance the body’s energy.
In modern bodywork, cupping is often integrated with deep tissue massage or therapeutic bodywork to target muscle knots, tight fascia, and restricted range of motion.
There are two primary types of cupping:
Dry cupping (most common) involves creating suction using glass, silicone, or plastic cups.
Wet cupping* involves superficial skin incisions and is not typically used in Western clinical settings.
*I don’t offer wet cupping, but I have received it many times and can recommend an experienced professional in San Diego.
How Does Cupping Work?
By applying suction to specific areas of the body, cupping draws blood to the surface, increases circulation, and helps loosen up tight muscles and fascia. This negative pressure effect is the opposite of deep tissue massage, which uses compression. Many clients report that cupping gives them a “stretch from the inside out.”
The body responds by:
Stimulating local blood flow
Reducing inflammation
Promoting lymphatic drainage
Encouraging parasympathetic relaxation
Cupping marks (those circular discolorations) are not bruises—they’re a result of stagnant blood and cellular waste being drawn to the surface, which the body clears within a few days.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping offers a wide range of benefits for both physical and emotional well-being. Some of the most common include:
Relieves muscle tension and pain
Supports injury recovery and post-workout recovery
Improves mobility and range of motion
Reduces inflammation
Promotes relaxation and nervous system regulation
Aids in detoxification and lymphatic flow
Helps with chronic issues like back pain, shoulder pain, neck stiffness, and migraines
Whether you're a busy professional, an athlete, or just feeling run down, cupping is a gentle yet effective addition to your massage therapy routine.
Is Cupping Right for You?
Cupping is safe for most people and can be especially helpful if you:
Sit for long periods or work at a desk
Experience chronic pain or tension
Are training hard or recovering from an injury
Are dealing with stress-related tightness or poor circulation
That said, cupping may not be suitable for those with certain conditions like blood disorders, skin infections, or pregnancy (in certain areas). We’ll always discuss your health history before starting any treatment.
What to Expect in a Cupping Session at Bodywork by Darin
At my Pacific Beach massage studio, I often integrate cupping into therapeutic massage sessions to help release areas of restriction. After applying oil to the skin, I place cups on specific muscles or fascia lines and use either static cupping (leaving the cups in place) or dynamic cupping (gliding the cups along the tissue).
Sessions are tailored to your comfort level and goals, whether you're seeking deep tissue relief or gentle nervous system support.
Most clients find cupping deeply relaxing—and many feel immediate relief from long-standing tightness or pain.
Ready to Try Cupping Therapy in Pacific Beach?
If you're looking for a licensed massage therapist who understands how to use cupping as part of a personalized, therapeutic session, I invite you to book with me at Bodywork by Darin. My approach is grounded, intuitive, and informed by years of study in both Western and holistic bodywork practices.
Book your session today and experience how cupping can help restore balance, reduce pain, and support your body’s healing.
Cupping Therapy in Pacific Beach, San Diego
Now accepting new clients at Bodywork by Darin. Conveniently located in Pacific Beach, just minutes from La Jolla, Mission Beach, and Clairemont.
👉 Book your session now
📍Bodywork by Darin – Massage Therapy Pacific Beach
📞 Call or Text: 619-630-0854
🌐 www.bodyworkbydarin.com
