What is cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy is an ancient technique used across many cultures for thousands of years. You may have seen the circular marks it can leave behind– but modern clinical application is often gentler, more targeted, and used with real intention.
Cups are placed on the skin to created suction, I use silicon cups that I squeeze to create a vacuum ( You may also see glass cups used with heat and also manual pumps), for my work these silicon cups of various sizes work perfectly. The negative pressure gently lifts the tissue underneath, stimulating circulation, softening restrictions and can help support lymphatic flow.
Why use cupping therapy?
From a tissue health perspective, cupping–
• Enhances blood flow and oxygen to the area
• Encourages lymph flow and waste removal
• Helps in the job of releasing restrictions and adhesions
• In creases hydration and mobility in restricted areas
• Supports the body’s natural healing processes
Many clients say it simply helps them feel “lighter”, less stuck, or more spacious in areas. As a practitioner it gives me another tool that means I can vary techniques during treatments to compliment my scar and other therapies. I don’t use cupping as a standalone therapy.
Cupping in scar therapy
This is where it gets really interesting. Scar tissue– whether from surgery, injury or trauma– often creates tight, tethered, or dehydrated areas that can affect mobility, sensation, and emotional wellbeing. Even well-healed scars can continue to pull or feel stuck long after the surface appears smooth.
Gentle cupping (especially with soft silicon cups) can be a really nice way to:
• Loosed adhesions under and around the scar
• Hydrate and mobilise the surrounding tissues including the buzz word “fascia”
• Stimulate circulation in areas where blood flow is restricted
• Reduce the feelings of tightness and discomfort
• Encourage a more relaxed nervous system response to touch
When used as part of a broader approach– which might include manual techniques, lymphatic drainage, and movement– cupping can add a valuable tool to scar recovery, especially for post-surgical clients (including breast cancer surgery, C-sections, or orthopaedic scars).
I always work with consent, safety, and gentleness in mind. Not every scar is ready to be cupped– but when it is, we go slowly and with respect.
What does the research say?
While more high quality studies are still needed, early research and clinical reports are encouraging:
• A 2020 systematic review in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice noted cupping therapy’s positive effects on pain reduction, blood circulation, and soft tissue release.
• Studies in post-surgical rehab (including for burns and orthopaedic procedures) suggest that cupping may help improve scar pliability and reduce discomfort.
• Cupping therapy can be used as a complementary therapy in oncology care, supporting lymphatic health and tissue quality during recovery.
As with many hands-on techniques, the combination of physical effects, nervous system response, and touch-based therapy can be powerful– and should be personalised to the person in front of me.
A gentle approach to healing
In my practice, I never see cupping as a standalone therapy– but as part of an integrated, thoughtful approach to healing. When used with care, it can be a bridge between manual therapy, movement and scar care.
If you are curious about cupping, whether for scar work or general support, feel free to get in touch. I am always happy to talk through what might help, what to expect, and whether it’s a good fit for you.