At Advanced Acupuncture Christchurch, we provide a wide range of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies, including cupping therapy, designed to help you relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and support natural healing. Our highly qualified practitioners, trained extensively in China, deliver personalised treatments that target your unique needs. Many of our services are ACC-covered with no surcharge, making natural wellness accessible to everyone in Christchurch.

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What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is an ancient healing practice used across Asia for thousands of years. It involves placing glass, plastic, or silicone cups on the skin and creating gentle suction. This suction draws stagnant blood and fluids to the surface, improving circulation and promoting tissue repair.

The therapy is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which view health as the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. When energy or blood flow is obstructed, it can lead to tension, pain, and illness. Cupping helps to unblock these pathways, restore balance, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

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How Cupping Works

The cups create a vacuum, which gently lifts the skin and underlying tissues. This action:

• Increases blood flow to the treated area

• Promotes oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles

• Stimulates lymphatic drainage, removing toxins

• Reduces inflammation and swelling

By improving circulation and releasing tension, cupping can help relieve deep-seated muscle knots, stiffness, and discomfort. The therapy is often combined with acupuncture, moxibustion, or massage for enhanced results, creating a comprehensive approach to wellness.

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Types of Cupping

At Advanced Acupuncture Christchurch, we offer several types of cupping therapy tailored to your needs:

1. Dry Cupping: The most common form, using suction only to stimulate circulation and relieve muscle tension.

2. Wet Cupping (Hijama): Involves gentle bloodletting along with suction, traditionally used to remove toxins and improve systemic health.

3. Fire Cupping: Uses a small flame to create suction within glass cups for deeper stimulation.

4. Massage Cupping: Cups are gently moved over muscles to combine the benefits of cupping and massage therapy.

Each technique is carefully selected by our practitioners based on your health goals, condition, and comfort level.

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Benefits of Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy offers a wide range of benefits for both pain management and overall wellness:

• Relieves Muscle Tension and Pain: Ideal for back, neck, shoulder, and leg discomfort.

• Reduces Inflammation: Helps ease swelling and promotes faster recovery from injuries.

• Enhances Circulation: Improves blood flow to muscles, tissues, and organs.

• Supports Detoxification: Encourages the removal of metabolic waste and toxins.

• Improves Flexibility and Mobility: Loosens stiff muscles and fascia for better movement.

• Promotes Relaxation: Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety.

Cupping is suitable for athletes, office workers, and anyone experiencing chronic or acute muscle pain. It is also effective in complementing other therapies like acupuncture, massage, and moxibustion, creating a holistic healing experience.

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What to Expect During a Cupping Session

During a session at our Christchurch clinics:

1. The practitioner will assess your condition and determine the areas to treat.

2. Cups will be applied to your skin using suction, either manually or with a pump.

3. Cups may remain in place for 10–20 minutes, depending on your needs.

4. You may notice temporary circular marks, which are harmless and fade within a few days.

5. Some patients experience a deep sense of relaxation and relief during and after the session.

Sessions are tailored for comfort, safety, and maximum therapeutic benefit, making cupping therapy a gentle yet effective treatment.

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Conditions Treated with Cupping

Cupping therapy can help with a variety of conditions, including:

• Chronic muscle pain (back, neck, shoulders)

• Sports injuries and soft tissue strains

• Joint stiffness and limited mobility

• Headaches and migraines

• Respiratory issues (bronchitis, congestion)

• Stress, fatigue, and tension relief

Combined with acupuncture and other TCM therapies, cupping addresses not just the symptoms but also the underlying causes of discomfort, providing long-term relief and wellness.

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Why Choose Advanced Acupuncture Christchurch?

Our patients choose us for our expertise, personalised care, and commitment to natural healing:

• Highly Trained Practitioners: All trained and experienced in China.

• Personalised Treatment Plans: Tailored to your symptoms and health goals.

• Comprehensive TCM Approach: Cupping combined with acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, and herbal medicine.

• ACC-Covered Treatments: No surcharge for eligible patients.

• Convenient Christchurch Locations: Four clinics across the city to serve you efficiently.

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Visit Our Christchurch Clinics

Experience the benefits of cupping therapy and TCM treatments at any of our clinics:

Take the first step toward relieving pain, improving mobility, and enhancing your wellbeing with Advanced Acupuncture Christchurch. Book your cupping therapy session today and experience the benefits of this ancient and effective treatment.