Cupping

Cupping can form part of a personalized whole-person treatment plan for pain, tension, stress, circulation, and recovery. At Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine in Portland, Oregon, Stefani Hayes, ND, LAc, and the team use cupping thoughtfully, often alongside acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and other naturopathic therapies. Call Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine to learn more about cupping or schedule a consultation online today.

What is cupping?

Cupping is an established therapy that uses gentle suction to raise the skin and underlying tissue. Your practitioner places cups on specific areas of the body to support circulation, ease muscle tension, and encourage relaxation.

Many people use cupping for musculoskeletal pain and tension. It may also support a broader treatment plan for inflammation, digestion, hormonal health, or immune balance.

Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine doesn’t treat cupping as a stand-alone fix. The team looks at your symptoms, lifestyle, stress levels, medical history, and goals before deciding whether cupping fits your care plan.

What happens during a cupping treatment?

During cupping, your Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine practitioner places cups on targeted areas of your body. The cups create suction, which may feel like gentle pulling, pressure, or warmth.

Your practitioner adjusts the suction strength based on your comfort. Some cups stay in one place, while others may move slowly over the skin with oil or lotion.

Cupping often leaves circular marks that look like bruises, but the area usually doesn’t feel tender. These marks typically fade over several days. Your practitioner explains what to expect before treatment, so you feel informed and comfortable.

What can cupping help with?

Cupping can help patients who feel tight, tense, sore, stressed, or physically run down. Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine may recommend cupping for concerns like:

• Neck and shoulder tension
• Back pain
• Muscle tightness
• Tension headaches
• Stress and nervous system overload
• Athletic recovery
• Limited mobility
• General pain and stiffness

Your practitioner may combine cupping with acupuncture, moxibustion, E-stim, Chinese herbal medicine, or other naturopathic techniques. If another therapy would better support you, the team talks through your options rather than forcing a single approach.

Is cupping right for everyone?

Cupping works well for many people, but it isn’t a good fit for everyone or every situation. Before recommending treatment, your practitioner asks about your:

• Medications
• Skin health
• Bleeding or clotting concerns
• Pregnancy status
• Pain sensitivity
• Medical history

Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine also honors your comfort and boundaries. If you feel nervous about touch, have a history of medical trauma, or prefer a gentler approach, your practitioner adapts the plan.

The team believes care should reduce stress, not add to it. Call Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine or request an appointment online to explore cupping and see if it's right for you.