How to Use Magnets with Air Cupping

Cupping therapy is the ancient Chinese alternative medicine approach to deep-tissue massage. Think of it as traditional massage in reverse, instead of pressing down into the tissue, cupping forms a suction on the skin and pulls the tissue up away from the body. Most modern-day cupping sets come complete with magnets that are designed to apply mild acupressure to the body. Cupping is used to promote blood flow, release toxins from underlying tissue and assist in relaxing tight muscles.

Things You'll Need

• Cupping therapy set
• 6 suction cups with acupressure magnets
• Suction pump

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Thoroughly clean and dry the area of the skin being treated as well as the inside of the suction cup. Securely attach the pump to the connector, then attach to the cup with magnet inserted inside. For dry cupping, place the cup directly on the affected area. Pull the pump handle to withdraw the air from the cup.

• 2

  For dry cupping, place the cup directly on the skin surface. For massage cupping, place the cup on skin lubricated with oil or skin cream. Pull the pump handle to withdraw the air from the cup. The acupressure magnet will now be in contact with the skin, applying targeted gentle pressure.

• 3

  Remove connector and pump to leave cup attached to skin by vacuum pressure. For dry cupping, leave the cup for three to five minutes. For massage technique, move the cup around while it is attached to the skin approximately every five minutes for a duration of up to 30 minutes. To move a cup, hold the cup near the bottom closest to the skin and, with the other hand, keep the skin taut as you move the cup, keeping the vacuum seal intact.

• 4

  To remove, release the pressure from the cup by pulling up on the valve located at the top of the cup to release the vacuum. Gently remove the cup from the surface of the skin.