Fire Cupping & Dry Cupping

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of bodywork that uses suction to draw the skin and underlying tissues upward into a cup, increasing local circulation and encouraging the body’s natural healing response.

Within cupping therapy there are two commonly used approaches:

• Fire Cupping — where the air inside a glass cup is heated briefly before application; as the air cools the cup creates suction, drawing tissue upward.

These methods are gentle, non-invasive, and complementary to conventional physiotherapy or massage.

———

What It Can Help With / Why Choose Cupping

Cupping is often used to complement your existing treatment or training plan, especially when you’re working on mobility, performance, recovery or managing chronic tension/pain. Potential benefits include:

• Reduced muscle tension and pain — helps with sore or tight muscles, neck/back pain, and discomfort from overuse.

• Improved blood flow and circulation — increased circulation may help tissue recovery, flush metabolic waste and support healing.

• Enhanced tissue mobility and muscle-fascial release — useful when working on tight fascia or restricted range of motion (common in athletes, runners, or those with previous injuries).

• Relaxation and recovery support — similar to deep tissue massage, many find cupping deeply relaxing, which can support recovery after training, reduce stress, and promote general well-being.

At Heal Active, we view cupping as a supportive, integrative tool — ideal for clients aiming to recover from training, injuries or chronic muscle tension, or those seeking to improve mobility and feel better overall.

———

Is It Right for You? What to Expect

• Cupping is generally safe when performed by experienced therapists. Common after-effects include temporary redness, circular marks, and mild muscle soreness.

• It’s important to communicate with your therapist if you have sensitive skin, circulatory issues, or certain health conditions.

• Depending on your needs — recovery, mobility, maintenance or injury support — cupping can be used as a stand-alone treatment or combined with sports massage, mobility work or other therapies offered at Heal Active.

———

Who Benefits Most

Cupping is especially suited to:

• Athletes, runners, or active individuals needing faster recovery or dealing with muscle fatigue.

• People with chronic muscle tightness, lower back, neck or shoulder tension.

• Clients undergoing rehabilitation, needing improved tissue mobility or fascial release.

• Anyone seeking a natural, non-invasive approach to support muscle recovery and overall well-being.