Everything You Need to Know About Fire Cupping, According to a Pro

jennysmithmattfeldt
Jun 26
2 min read

What those weird red circles actually do—and why I use them on everyone from athletes to burned-out desk workers

By Jenny Smith Mattfeldt | Published June 26, 2025

I've been in the spa and massage therapy world for almost a decade, and consistently one of my favorite tools has been fire cupping. Fire cupping is a traditional healing therapy that involves placing glass cups on the skin to create suction—typically using heat from fire. It’s a form of cupping therapy used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve circulation, reduce pain, and promote relaxation or detoxification. Even if you're not familiar with the practice odds are you've seen those hard to miss, circular marks on the back and shoulders of professional athletes and celebs. I've found that it not only looks cool (yes, those octopus marks make you feel like a full-blown wellness guru), but it also works incredibly well for chronic tension, sports injuries, and increasing flexibility and range of motion.

How the Process Works

Heat is introduced inside the cup—usually by briefly holding a flame inside the glass to heat the air.
The flame is then removed, and the cup is quickly placed onto the skin. As the air inside cools, it creates a vacuum.
The vacuum gently pulls the skin up into the cup, increasing blood flow to that area.
Cups are typically left in place for 5–15 minutes.

What it's Used For

Muscle tension
Chronic pain (especially back and neck pain)
Inflammation
Circulation
Relaxation
Some believe it supports lymphatic flow or draws out toxins
If you have a reoccurring knot that you just can't seem to get rid of—time to throw a cup on it

What It Feels Like

When the cups are placed on your skin, you might feel a brief warmth but the flame never touches you. It's very safe, especially with an experienced practitioner. You’ll feel a strong pulling or suction sensation. It’s not usually painful, but it can be intense. The reassuring part is you can control the pressure—just ask your practitioner to release some air if it feels too tight. Afterward, you will have circular marks on your skin. They look dramatic, but they’re more like hickeys than bruises, usually don’t hurt, and fade in a few days.

Absolute Contraindications

Relative Contraindications

Cupping should not be performed under the following conditions:

Broken, inflamed, or infected skin (open wounds, rashes, sunburn, or active acne)
Bleeding disorders
Severe edema or swelling
High fever or acute infection
Uncontrolled hypertension
Fractures or over bone injuries
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or varicose veins
Cancerous tumors (especially active or near treatment sites)
Pregnancy — avoid abdomen, lower back, and points like LI4 or SP6
Seizure disorders

Use with caution under the following conditions:

Thin or delicate skin (e.g., elderly clients)
Children
Diabetes (slower healing, higher bruising risk)

You can add it into your traditional massage or just spend 15 minutes letting the cups drain the tension out of your body. When done correctly, fire cupping isn't just therapeutic—it can be transformative. Whether you’re an athlete, a desk worker, or someone simply seeking deeper relaxation, it’s one of those treatments that leaves you feeling lighter, looser, and just a little bit more like the main character.