Better U: Suction Solutions - Cupping Therapy

By: Steven Chinjen, Better U

Cupping therapy has been making waves in the world of recovery and holistic wellness. From Olympic athletes to everyday desk workers, people everywhere are turning to cupping to relieve pain, boost circulation, and speed up recovery.

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is an ancient healing practice rooted in traditional medicine. It involves placing special cups—made of glass, silicone, or plastic—on the skin to create suction. This gentle suction lifts the skin and tissue and:

• Relieves muscle soreness and stiffness (great for athletes or anyone sitting long hours)

• Speeds up workout recovery

• Enhances mobility and flexibility

• Reduces stress and tension

• Supports immune function through improved circulation. Promotes overall relaxation

Think of it like giving your muscles a deep tissue massage from the inside out.

What Is Gliding Cupping?

Unlike traditional cupping, where the cups stay in one spot, gliding cupping adds movement. After applying oil or lotion, the provider places the cups on the skin and gently glides them across the muscles.

It’s like a massage combined with cupping offering both suction benefits and a stretching effect. This method works especially well on larger muscle groups like the back, legs, and shoulders.

How Does It Work?

The suction from cupping boosts circulation in targeted areas, which helps to:

• Deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues

• Remove waste products and toxins

• Break up adhesions (muscle knots)

• Stimulate the nervous system for deep relaxation

The circular marks that often appear afterward aren’t bruises—they’re simply a sign of increased blood flow. They may look like “pepperoni spots” or like you just wrestled an octopus, but they fade within a few days!

Where Can U Cup?

Cupping can be tailored to your needs and applied to many areas, including:

• Back & Shoulders – for posture, stress, and upper-back tightness

• Legs & Glutes – ideal for runners, athletes, or leg fatigue

• Arms – for lifting, typing, or recovery work

• Neck – to ease headaches and tension

Myths About Cupping

Myth #1: Cupping is painful. Truth: Most people find it relaxing—similar to a massage with gentle suction.

Myth #2: The marks mean U are bruised. Truth: The circles simply show increased blood flow and fade within days.

Myth #3: Cupping is only for athletes. Truth: While athletes love it, anyone with stress, pain, or tightness can benefit.

Myth #4: Cupping is dangerous. Truth: When performed by trained professionals, cupping is safe, gentle, and effective.

If U haven’t tried cupping yet, U’re missing out! At your next visit, ask one of our providers about it. We’ll walk U through the process, clear up any concerns, and U will feel the difference from the moment U walked in to the moment U leave. At Better U, we’ve always got your back.