About
Cupping therapy is a traditional healing technique used in many cultures, with a long-standing place within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). At Riverside Natural Health Centre, we offer dry cupping — a method that involves placing specialised glass or silicone cups on the skin to create a vacuum. This gentle suction encourages the flow of blood, lymph, and Qi (vital energy), helping to clear stagnation, release muscle tension, and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
Dry cupping does not involve any incisions or bleeding. Instead, it creates negative pressure that draws the skin slightly upwards, lifting tissues and stimulating circulation in deeper layers. It is especially effective for relieving muscular aches, tightness, and fatigue — particularly in the back, shoulders, and neck.
Many clients find cupping to be deeply relaxing and invigorating. Circular marks may appear on the skin after treatment; these are not bruises but signs of stagnation being released, and they typically fade within a few days.
Cupping can be offered as a standalone therapy or combined with acupuncture or massage to enhance therapeutic outcomes. It is suitable for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, tension, sports injuries, and stress-related fatigue.
At Riverside Natural Health Centre, our dry cupping service offers a therapeutic and revitalising approach to muscular tension and energetic stagnation. Rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this treatment is tailored to support circulation, relieve deep-seated tension, and encourage the body’s natural healing response.
Your session begins with a brief consultation to understand your symptoms, areas of concern, and overall wellbeing. Cups are then placed on specific areas of the body — typically the back, shoulders, or legs — using a gentle suction technique that lifts the skin and underlying tissue. This process stimulates blood flow, helps to clear toxins, and releases constriction in the fascia and muscles.
Each treatment is adapted to your comfort level, and you’ll be guided throughout. While circular marks may appear following a session, these are not bruises but a natural response to stagnation being drawn to the surface; they usually fade within a few days.
Our dry cupping service can be used on its own or integrated with other therapies such as acupuncture or massage, offering a powerful and holistic approach to recovery, resilience, and deep relaxation.
“When the heart is at ease, the body is healthy.”
— Chinese Proverb
Your dry cupping appointment at Riverside Natural Health Centre is designed to be both therapeutic and relaxing. Each session begins with a short consultation to understand your specific concerns, health history, and treatment goals. This ensures the therapy is tailored to your individual needs.
During the treatment, cups are placed on targeted areas of your body — most commonly the back, shoulders, or legs — using gentle suction to create a vacuum effect. This draws the skin slightly upward, encouraging circulation, relieving tension, and helping to move stagnant Qi and fluids.
The sensation is often described as a firm, soothing pressure. While the suction is noticeable, it should never be painful. Most clients find the experience calming, and many report an immediate sense of relief or warmth in the treated areas.
Cupping typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes, and you may notice circular marks on the skin afterwards. These marks are a normal response to the therapy and usually fade within a few days.
You’ll be given aftercare guidance following your appointment, and your practitioner may recommend follow-up treatments or suggest ways to extend the benefits of the session at home. Whether used on its own or alongside acupuncture or massage, cupping is a gentle yet powerful way to support your body’s healing and recovery.
Martin Eddy is a qualified medical herbalist, naturopath, and lecturer based in Nottingham. With a deep respect for traditional systems of healing and a grounding in clinical science, he specialises in supporting men’s health, mental wellbeing, and chronic conditions through tailored botanical protocols. Known for his empathic presence and integrative approach, Martin brings ancient healing wisdom into modern clinical practice to support true, lasting change.
James Screeton is a qualified acupuncturist and somatic practitioner with a deep commitment to holistic, body-centred healing. Trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine and contemporary somatic approaches, James offers treatments that honour both the physical and emotional dimensions of wellbeing. His clinical style is calm and grounded, supporting clients with issues ranging from pain and tension to trauma, anxiety, and energetic imbalance.
What is dry cupping therapy?
Dry cupping is a traditional therapy that uses suction cups applied to the skin to stimulate blood flow, release muscular tension, and support the body’s natural healing processes. It does not involve any incisions or bleeding and is entirely non-invasive.
Does dry cupping hurt?
Cupping should not be painful. You’ll feel a firm pulling sensation as the suction takes effect, but most clients find it relaxing or even relieving. The intensity can be adjusted to suit your comfort level.
What are the marks left by cupping?
The circular marks left after cupping are a normal response to the suction. They are not bruises and usually fade within a few days. These marks are believed to reflect the release of stagnation in the body.
What conditions can cupping help with?
Dry cupping is often used to relieve back and neck pain, muscle tension, sports injuries, fatigue, stress, and respiratory conditions. It can also be used alongside other therapies like acupuncture or massage.
How long does a session last?
A cupping session typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, either as a standalone treatment or combined with another therapy.
Can anyone have cupping therapy?
Most people can benefit from cupping, but it may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions, skin infections, or if you’re pregnant in specific areas. Your practitioner will always assess suitability before treatment.
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