Cupping glasses for therapy and massage

AcuMax Med AG offers a large selection of cupping glasses for successful cupping therapy / cupping head massage. You will find cupping glasses with or without a ball and various cupping sets. We stock cupping glasses made of glass and acrylic, as well as bamboo cupping glasses and silicone cupping glasses.

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping glasses are similar to cups, which can be made of glass, silicone, ceramic, wood, etc., depending on the material. During cupping therapy, a slight vacuum is created in the cupping glasses, after which the glasses are placed on the skin. The vacuum effect of the cupping glasses creates a gentle suction that softens the tissue and at the same time promotes the circulation of blood, fluids and chi energy. By stimulating the skin and underlying muscles, cupping helps to flush out accumulated area-specific toxins by stimulating the circulation of blood and lymph in the vessels.
A cupping glass can be placed on the neck, shoulders, back, sacral area, thighs, abdomen, upper arms and in some cases even on the forehead or soles of the feet, depending on the person's condition. The sensation of cupping therapy is often described as very warming and relaxing. Many people describe it as deeply relaxing. Cupping relaxes hardened soft tissue and stubborn knots. Tense and painful muscles are loosened by this therapy method in just a few minutes. In the past, cupping therapy was not only used in China, but also in the Middle East, Greece and Russia. Today, its use is quite widespread.

Methods of therapy with cupping glasses

• Method by holding the cupping glasses: The most commonly used method. The cups are applied and placed on specific areas of the body. The duration of application varies between a few seconds and several minutes, depending on the treatment protocol, the desired effect and the aim of the therapy.
• Method by holding cupping glasses for a short time: The glasses are placed on the desired area and held for a short time, then removed.
• Cupping glass gliding method: Before applying the cupping glasses, the body part to be suctioned is lubricated with oil (massage, medicinal, essential as well as other oils or ointments) to create the opportunity for gentle gliding movements. The therapist glides the suction cups over the surface of the body, e.g. over the back or thighs, until the muscles and connective tissue become soft.
• Other methods: Combination of cupping with acupuncture (a needle is attached to the suction point with the suction cup); combination with bloodletting; combination with herbal therapies by boiling the cups with herbs or adding herbs to the cups.

Types of cupping glasses

There are many types of cupping glasses available on the market - silicone, glass, with ball and without ball, sets and others.

Glass cupping glasses

Those made of glass are inserted using a vacuum. This is the traditional method of inserting the cupping glasses. A little cotton wool is rolled onto a stick to make a cotton bud. The cotton bud is dipped in alcohol, set alight and inserted into the glass. The air is sucked out by the induced combustion and a vacuum is created. The cotton bud is pulled out and the cup is quickly placed on the skin in the selected area.

Cupping heads with magnetic or hand pumps

Many modern practitioners of cupping therapy use cupping heads with magnetic or hand pumps that create a vacuum to attach the cups. This method of attaching cups is easier because it requires less skill and does not use flames or flammable liquids. This method also makes it easier to estimate the size of the area to be cupped.

Cupping heads made from other materials

The classic cupping heads are made from water buffalo horns. Nowadays, however, materials such as bamboo, ceramic, glass or plastic are also used. Plastic cupping cups are increasingly being used as they are cheaper. One advantage of glass cups is that they can be sterilised more often than plastic cups. However, glass cups can feel cold when they are inserted.

Is cupping therapy painful?

In most cases, cupping is perceived as an extremely pleasant procedure. It is not painful, but some people, e.g. those with fibromyalgia or other chronic muscle diseases, may experience slight discomfort, which should be reported immediately so that the therapy can be adjusted. Experienced therapists are able to determine the exact level of suction to achieve optimal results. Many people report that muscle tension and soreness continue to improve for many hours after the session.

Can anyone do cupping therapy?

Cupping is a relatively unregulated area and although cupping is traditionally used by lay people, for example in a family setting as part of traditional culture, prior training is recommended. The performance of cupping therapy by a qualified therapist ensures a minimum level of competence to make a correct diagnosis and choose the correct therapeutic dose. This is important for safety reasons to avoid the risk of burns and other injuries or discomfort.

Where to buy cupping glasses?

To know which cupping glasses to buy, it is advisable to find out beforehand which skin type the different products are suitable for. Firstly, you should make sure that the cupping cups you choose are suitable for all skin types, i.e. that they can be used by the whole family. On the other hand, products made of high-quality materials are more resistant so that they can be easily cleaned and disinfected. Models sold with additional accessories allow you to always have what you need at hand. Take a look at the range, familiarise yourself with the descriptions of the various products and the application methods and only then place your order.