Cupping Therapy in Capitola, CA

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Cupping treatment instrument

Cupping therapy is an ancient healing technique with roots in Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures, dating back to ancient Egypt around 5500 years ago, and it has also been documented in Chinese and Roman civilizations.

At Solis Acupuncture, our licensed practitioners use glass cups and other cupping tools to create suction using fire, manual, or electrical methods, then place them on the skin to support circulation in targeted areas of the body, ease pain, and speed natural tissue repair, without drugs or surgery. We provide safe, non-invasive cupping treatment for chronic pain, muscle tension, sports injuries, neck pain, shoulder pain, and chronic back pain at our Capitola clinic.

Combining Traditional Chinese Medicine with a modern medical perspective, we offer dry, wet, and fire cupping. Many insurance plans cover cupping performed by a licensed acupuncturist, though it may not be recommended for people with bleeding disorders or during pregnancy.

Does Cupping Hurt?

Cupping therapy should feel good and is generally considered safe when performed by trained professionals. Most patients experience a gentle suction sensation and find the cupping session relaxing, much like deep-tissue massage. Your cupping therapist stays in the room and adjusts pressure throughout the session for comfort and pain management; if a cup is painful, it is removed immediately. The area may be slightly sore for a day or two, and mild skin irritation is a common side effect that fades quickly.

Cupping massage therapy grayscale
Man holding his back

Why does Cupping leave Marks and Affect Blood Flow?

When muscle tissue contracts, it receives less blood and oxygen, which can lock in pain and stiffness. The suction action draws air into the cups, creating negative pressure, which draws old, stagnant blood to the surface of the patient's skin, leaving cupping marks that look like bruises but are not tender.

Dry cupping does not involve bloodletting or skin incisions. This increased blood circulation invites fresh blood, oxygen, and nutrients into the treated area, helping muscles release and repair, a therapeutic effect, not an injury. Marks range from light pink to dark purple and typically fade within one to two weeks. A typical session may use three to five cups, depending on the body area being treated.

Cups should not be placed over open wounds.

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What People Are Saying About Us

Danielle Uzes helped me with my pre-patellar bursitis. The orthopedic said it would take 4 to 6 months for the swelling to go down. After only 2 weeks, twice a week, and some very powerful herbs, that Danielle prescribed for me, my swelling went down, at least 90%!!! And not only that, Danielle discovered ankle issues as well! ( which made sense!) Very professional and caring and I always feel comfortable! Plus, they accept my insurance and make it very easy! Office staff is very friendly- overall, very good experience!

AB, Santa Cruz

I have been in chronic pain for years, 4 Back surgeries, 2 knee replacement, Rheumatoid Arthritis, nerve pain the list goes on. So many times friends have suggested Acupuncture as a therapy for my pain. I'm finally glad I listened to them and that I found Jessica at Solis. Jessica is very knowledgeable, she explains everything she is doing and she puts me at ease during my treatments. I'm a huge fan of cupping, it has made a big difference in my back spasms. If your looking for a noninvasive way to deal with pain, check out Solis....you will not regret it!

DH, Santa Cruz
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