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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Cupping



Cupping (拔罐) refers to a specific type of Chinese massage, which consists of traditional chinese medicine (TCM) physicians placing several glass "cups" (more like open spheres) on the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine cupping works on your body's meridian system, to open any  potential stagnant/stagnating/blocked points for a better flow of Qi. This will also help to  rejuvenate specific meridians and organs that have/are not functioning at their maximum/best potential.

Scientifically, cupping TCM techniques are known moreso to activate our body's lymphatic system, improving blood circulation and internal system/tissue repair.

fire versus pump cuppings

The traditional approach to cupping is the "fire cupping" style, where the TCM physician will light a fire source, place it inside the cup and then removing the fire source before placing the cup against open skin.

Not to worry, it's not hot - it works with pressure.

You see, as the air inside the cup is heated, the air inside is heated and it increases with kinetic energy and expands; so when the TCM physician places it on the skin, it cools and that lowers the pressure inside the cup that causes the cup to "suck" the skin and the cup then sticks to the skin.

The Modern Approach

The modern and a little safer approach is to use the pump version (with a pump mechanism) to cause the suction.

The suction created with a suction pump is/tends to be:

  • more consistent in pressure
  • more even in pressure
  • more controlled
  • close to zero heat

BUT retains all the health benefits of traditional chinese medicine cupping therapy.

Sometimes, the TCM physician may also place massage oil on the skin, and this allows the cups (in-suction) to be moved around the back/skin. This is a reverse-pressure massage, and known as "zhou-gwan" (走罐).

Zhou-gwan in English is glide-cupping or gliding-cupping), which serves one main purpose:

to restart the Qi (inner, bodily energy) within the patient

The health benefits of restarting of Qi

  1. increases one's internal energy levels and flow
  2. increasing mental alertness
  3. increases mental focus
  4. increases physical and mental strength
  5. increasing immunity naturally

How many cupping sessions would I need?

The number and frequency of traditional chinese medicine cupping sessions changes/varies from patients to patients, based on:

  • their age
  • severity of their medical/health conditions
  • how their body respond to the treatments

In some patients, they may feel a lot of relief even from the first session (or first few); others may only experience the benefits after 6-12 sessions or more.

Generally, someone who has had a health condition for years will need 2-3 treatments a week for the first 4 weeks, and then gradually reduce to once per week.



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Phoenix Rehab Group works with specialist physiotherapists and rehab therapists who are highly trained, qualified, experienced and passionate to provide high level of expert care to our patients.



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You may do Pilates as matwork or with the reformer or both, and every session will be customized 100% to your fitness, injury and tolerance.



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Sports and deep tissue release massage helps to increase nutrient-rich blood flow to tired, tight and tense muscles to

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Done regularly, it will keeps your muscles healthy and fit with body/movement-confidence. Read the benefits of regular deep tissue release therapy here.



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At the first session, our specialist physiotherapists will carry out a thorough assessment, helping them to select the most appropriate treatment to help you recover as well as provide treatment in the same session.

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book your physio appointments now

WhatsApp / SMS your name, preferred date, time and enquiries to +658800183

Email questions and your preferred physiotherapy timings to nigel@phoenixrehabgroup.com or

Clinic Locations: See how to get to us here