Cupping TherapyMinneapolis |Sinew Center for Integrative Medicine
Cupping therapy is an ancient healing practice rooted in not only in Traditional Chinese Medicine but other traditional medicines throughout the world that uses suction cups placed on the skin to promote circulation, release muscle tension, and support the body's natural healing process. At Sinew Center for Integrative Medicine in Minneapolis, cupping is offered as a standalone treatment or as a complement to your acupuncture session — depending on your needs and goals.
Book a Cupping AppointmentWhat Is Cupping Therapy?
During a cupping treatment, glass cups are placed on the skin and a gentle suction is created. This suction lifts the soft tissue, pulling fresh blood and oxygen into the area while releasing tension that have built up in the muscles and connective tissue.
There are two main types of cupping we use at Sinew Center:
Stationary Cupping — Cups are placed and left in position for several minutes. Best for deep muscle tension, pain, and respiratory congestion.
Sliding Cupping — Oil is applied to the skin and cups are moved along the muscle groups in a gliding motion. This feels similar to a deep tissue massage and is excellent for broad areas of tension like the back, shoulders, and hips.
What Can Cupping Treat?
Cupping therapy at Sinew Center is effective for a wide range of physical and emotional concerns, including:
– Neck, shoulder, and back pain and tension
– Sports injuries and muscle soreness
– Headaches and migraines
– Resiratory conditions including colds, congestions, asthma and allergies
– Digestive discomfort and bloating
– Anxiety, stress, and fatigue
– Poor circulation
– Fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions
– Post-surgical or injury recovery
– Sports injuries and muscle soreness
– Headaches and migraines
– Resiratory conditions including colds, congestions, asthma and allergies
– Digestive discomfort and bloating
– Anxiety, stress, and fatigue
– Poor circulation
– Fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions
– Post-surgical or injury recovery
Does Cupping Leave Marks?
Cupping often leaves circular marks on the skin ranging from light pink to deep red or purple. These are not bruises — they are the physiological result of trapped fluids and blood being drawn to the surface.
The suction creates a pressure differential that safely ruptures small, superficial capillaries beneath the skin. Lighter pink marks typically indicate healthy circulation with minimal congestion, while deeper purples or dark reds point to areas of greater fluid stasis or muscle tension. Once the capillaries rupture, your body initiates a natural healing response — directing immune cells and increasing blood flow to restore healthy circulation to the tissue.
The marks are almost entirely painless and fade within 3–7 days. We'll always walk you through what to expect before we begin.
Does Cupping Hurt?
Most patients find cupping deeply relaxing — many fall asleep during their treatment. The suction sensation can feel intense at first, especially in areas of significant tension, but it should never feel painful. We always adjust the pressure to your comfort level throughout the session.
Cupping + Acupuncture | A Powerful Combination
At Sinew Center, cupping is frequently combined with acupuncture for enhanced results. While acupuncture works on a deeper systemic level — regulating the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance — cupping addresses the soft tissue and muscular layer directly. Together, they create a comprehensive treatment that works from the inside out and the outside in.
Many of our patients find that combining both therapies in a single session accelerates their results and provides deeper, longer-lasting relief.
Is Cupping Right for You?
Cupping is safe and effective for most people, but it is not the right fit for everyone. We avoid cupping directly over active skin conditions, open wounds, irritated or sunburned skin, varicose veins, and bony areas. Extra care is taken with those prone to easy bruising, bleeding, or currently taking blood thinners. If you have a history of blood clotting disorders, cancer, organ failure, or a pacemaker, please let us know before booking so we can discuss the best approach for your care.
Cupping can actually be a wonderful option during pregnancy — especially when needles are not appropriate — with careful placement away from the abdomen.
At Sinew Center, we'll always take a thorough health history before your treatment to make sure cupping is the right choice for your body and your goals.
What to Expect at Your Cupping Appointment
* Your appointment will begin with a brief intake conversation about your current concerns and goals
* You'll lie comfortably on the treatment table while cups are applied to the targeted areas
* Most cupping sessions last 30 minutes
* We'll walk you through aftercare instructions before you leave so your body can continue healing after your visit
Cupping Aftercare | How to Support Your Body Post-Treatment
– Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water after your session to help flush out what was released
– Avoid cold temperatures on the cupped areas for 24 hours — including cold showers, ice packs, or air conditioning blowing directly on the skin
– Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours after your treatment
– Keep the cupped areas covered if you'll be in the sun or cold wind
– The circular marks will fade on their own — do not try to massage or scrub them away
– Avoid cold temperatures on the cupped areas for 24 hours — including cold showers, ice packs, or air conditioning blowing directly on the skin
– Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours after your treatment
– Keep the cupped areas covered if you'll be in the sun or cold wind
– The circular marks will fade on their own — do not try to massage or scrub them away
Is Cupping Covered by Insurance?
Cupping alone is not covered by insurance companies. We are currently a self-pay clinic and do not bill insurance directly. We anticipate credentialing with Medica, UnitedHealthcare, and the VA starting July 1, 2026. If cupping is performed as part of an acupuncture session and you have out-of-network acupuncture benefits, we are happy to provide a superbill for reimbursement. We also accept HSA and FSA cards.
Ready to Release What Your Body Has Been Holding?
Book a cupping appointment at Sinew Center for Integrative Medicine in Minneapolis and experience the deep relief that this ancient practice can provide.
📞 Call or Text: (612) 405-4649
📧 anne@sinewcenter.com
Book Your Cupping Appointment📞 Call or Text: (612) 405-4649
📧 anne@sinewcenter.com