Cupping Therapy NYC | Cupping Massage in New York City
Cupping or fire cupping, an alternative way called Hjiama, is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. It relates to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. Cupping therapy is used popularly in Chinese medicine to treat pain, skin, and respiratory disorders problems efficiently.
How and why cupping works.
Chinese cupping uses a cup set to pull an area of skin into a suction that draws fluid into the treated area. This suction force expands and breaks open tiny blood vessels under the skin. It increases blood flow to the problem area, enhances blood circulation, and helps to promote the body’s healing processes. Cupping suction therapy cleans the pores and releases toxins in Chinese medicine theories.
Cupping Treatment Prices
Cupping Session–$50 – $60*
*Rates may vary per location. Please contact the individual location for rates.

Benefits of cupping.
Cupping relieves muscle tension and conditions that cause pain, which improves overall blood flow and promotes cell repair. It also helps with chronic health issues. Cupping may treat conditions below:
- Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis
- Back pain, head pain, neck pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, and leg pain
- Breast problems
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome and TCM
- Breathing problems, such as asthma
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel disease (IBD)
- Headaches and migraines
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Weight loss and Cellulite
- Acne and Acne Scars
What is the treatment process at ACA?
At ACA Acupuncture & Wellness, we provide the best cupping therapy. All of our practitioners are licensed and have years of clinical experience. First, we diagnose the situation of patients and make customized treatment plans for them in the first appointment. All of our practitioners are licensed and have years of clinical experience. If the patient’s illness fits with cupping treatment, we will use cupping with acupuncture, physical therapy, or massage to enhance treatments’ effectiveness for our patients. It often helps to speed up the healing process, and patients can feel instant results. The cup material type used at ACA is silicone, which can safely work on people’s bodies. Besides, it is essential to take care of yourself after treatment. After each treatment session, our doctor and acupuncturists will give patients advice for aftercare to help them keep a better treatment effect.
Cupping Question and Answers
Q: How long will it take?
A: Depending on your illness situation, your session could last from 10 minutes to an hour or more.
Q: How many sessions do you need?
A: Depending on your illness situation, some people need more sessions to recover from illness, while others can see the instant improvement in the first treatment.
Q: How effective is cupping massage?
A: Most people can see the instant effect after the first treatment. However, some people may need more sessions to see the improvement, depending on the individual.
Q: Is it safe to do it?
A: Most experts say that cupping is safe. Side effects tend to be limited to the pinch experienced during skin suction and will disappear after a few days.
Q: What’s up with the red circles?
A: You may see circles of discoloration from red to dark purple where the cups were placed. They fade away between 2-15 days. The darker the color, the longer it takes to fade away. Cupping treatment itself, in general, is very safe. You may feel some pressure at where the cups were, and some people may get mild skin irritation.
HOW IT WORKS
(1) Health Assessment
Our licensed practitioners begin with a thorough consultation to understand your symptoms and goals. This allows us to create a customized cupping treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
(2) Treatment Session
During the session, we combine cupping therapy with acupuncture, physical therapy, or massage as needed. The use of silicone cups ensures a safe, comfortable, and effective treatment experience.
(3) Aftercare Guidance
After your treatment, our practitioners will provide personalized advice to support your recovery and maintain the benefits. Proper aftercare helps extend the positive effects of your session.
Our Trusted Practitioners
Zhou, Yu L.Ac
“I am passionate about alleviating people’s suffering through the art of natural healing.”
Yu Zhou began her acupuncture journey after experiencing transformative healing herself. A graduate of PCHS in New York, she specializes in abdominal acupuncture under the mentorship of Dr. Liu Yanzhu. Yu treats a wide range of conditions, including pain, digestive disorders, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and hormonal imbalances, with a focus on providing effective and compassionate care.
Lu, Rong L.Ac
“Healing is an art rooted in Nature, and a true physician begins with an open mind and a deep connection to its principles.”
Rong Lu earned her master’s degree from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine through a prestigious seven-year bachelor-master program in the combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Clinical Medicine. She is a medical doctor in China.
Her expertise lies in infertility treatments, including support for IUI and IVF, as well as addressing PMS, menopause syndrome, PCOS, abnormal uterine bleeding, hormone imbalances, and painful periods. Rong also has extensive experience in treating neck and back pain, headaches and migraines, allergies, sinus issues, and gastrointestinal disorders. She is dedicated to providing holistic care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Aifeng, Song L.Ac
Aifeng Song is a NY and PA licensed acupuncturist who has earned an NCCAOM Acupuncture Diploma, NCCAOM Oriental Medicine Diploma. She graduated from New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and received her Oriental Medicine Ph. D from the American Academy of Health and Wellness and currently working on her second Ph. D at Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Dr. Song’s research and clinical trials focus on internal medicine and acupuncture. She specializes in insomnia, arthritis, headache/migraine, neck/shoulder/lower back pain, infertility, menstrual disorders, digestive disease, and allergy.
Wei Yuan M.D., L.Ac
Dr. Wei Yuan is a medical doctor trained in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She spent 10 years at Luoyang Hospital in China as a resident and later chief acupuncturist and instructor. She then conducted cancer research at Columbia University Medical School and worked as a research scientist at Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals for 10 years before returning to acupuncture. Dr. Yuan is also a certified practitioner and instructor of Field Control Therapy (FCT) and homeopathy.
She combines extensive clinical experience in Western Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Homeopathy, with deep knowledge in basic medical sciences and drug toxicology. Dr. Yuan is a licensed acupuncturist, a board member of the United Alliance of New York State Licensed Acupuncturists, and certified in Clean Needle Technique by the CCAOM. She continues to deliver the highest level of patient care, drawing on her diverse and distinguished background.
Meiran Liu, L.Ac
Meiran holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chinese Medicine from the most prestigious universities in China. She was an attending doctor at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing for over 7 years before moving to New York. She is a New York State licensed acupuncturist also a diplomat of Oriental Medicine by NCCAOM.
She is passionate about practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine. She goes above and beyond to care for her patients. Her dedication can often be seen when she works on her patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toxins does cupping remove?
Cupping encourages the body to eliminate waste products like metabolic toxins and stagnant fluids. By drawing blood and lymph to the surface, it facilitates the removal of cellular waste and helps the body detoxify more efficiently.
What should you not do after cupping therapy?
Following a cupping session, it’s best to avoid vigorous physical activity, consuming alcohol, and exposure to cold environments. The body needs time to rest and recover, so it’s also recommended to avoid excessive heat or cold, such as saunas or ice baths.
What is cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy is a traditional healing technique that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction pulls blood to the surface, promoting circulation, relieving tension, and supporting the body’s natural healing process. It’s often used for pain relief and muscle relaxation.
Is cupping therapy effective for stress relief?
Cupping therapy is a highly effective therapy for stress relief due to its ability to release muscle tension and improve blood flow. The process involves placing heated cups on the skin, usually on the back, creating suction that alleviates tightness and promotes relaxation. One of the key benefits is the deep sense of physical and emotional calm that follows the treatment. While the marks left by the cups are temporary, the positive effects on stress and overall health are long-lasting, making cupping a valuable way to manage both physical discomfort and emotional stress.
Can I combine cupping with other therapies like acupuncture in New York City?
Combining cupping with acupuncture is a common practice that can enhance the overall benefits of your therapy session. Both techniques work to improve energy flow along the body’s meridians, helping to address physical discomfort and energetic imbalances. In some sessions, cupping may also be paired with other therapies, such as massage, to further enhance relaxation and healing. Whether you’re receiving treatment in one of our clinics in New York City or elsewhere, combining these therapies can maximize their effectiveness and provide a more comprehensive approach to wellness.
Contact ACA Acupuncture & Wellness
HEAR IT FROM OUR CLIENTS
The doctors are so attentative to your needs here and the massage / acupuncture is spot on. I leave feeling either refreshed, rested, or energized. I’d recommend coming here for any upkeep or maintenance needs. I’ve had different practitioners and they are all thorough/detail oriented.
– Natalie Zhao
First time here and very happy with the customer service. The massage therapy, acupuncture and cupping were all great. Aila was amazing, very helpful and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
– J. Gurung
I had a fantastic experience At ACA acupuncture. Dr Wei Yuan was very knowledgeable and was able to help with my pain management. She also let me know that I may be sore the next day and that’s it’s normal. I really appreciated that! Facilities were new and clean as well. Highly recommend and will definitely go back!
– Setareh Adelipour
ACA has helped with many of my medical issues. Every visit eases my pain in my lower back and my shoulders which give me the most issues. I will continue to utilize their services.
-J Allen
READ MORE ABOUT CUPPING
How often can you do cupping?
by ACA Acupuncture
The frequency depends on personal health goals, experience level, and the specific type of cupping used. For most people, cupping is done anywhere from once a week to once a month, while those using it for injury recovery or chronic pain may benefit from two to three sessions per week for a short period.
15 Proven Cupping Therapy Benefits
by ACA Acupuncture
To truly transform your approach to health and wellness, cupping therapy offers a unique and powerful range of benefits that go far beyond muscle recovery. Whether you’re looking to relieve chronic pain, boost circulation, reduce stress, or enhance your overall vitality, cupping can be an effective tool to support your health journey.
Post-Cupping Therapy
by ACA Acupuncture
Aftercare is crucial for optimizing the healing process initiated by cupping. As the body adjusts to changes in blood flow and muscle relaxation, following proper aftercare steps can reduce discomfort, help fade marks more quickly, and support the body’s natural recovery processes, making each session more effective.
Request An Appointment:
Schedule an appointment at one of our New York locations.
Washington Heights, NY
(212) 927-8039
Mon-Fri: 9:00AM – 7:00PM
Sat: 9:30AM – 7:00PM
Sun: 9:30AM – 5:30PM
Upper East Side, NY
(646) 998-4886
Mon-Fri: 9:00AM – 7:00PM
Sat-Sun: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Union Square, NY
(212) 228-5688
Fri-Tue: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Wed-Thur: 9:00AM – 8:00PM
Columbus Circle, NY
(646) 438-9255
Mon – Fri: 9:00AM – 7:00PM
Financial District, NY
(646) 858-0138
Mon-Fri: 9:00AM – 7:00PM
Grand Central, NY
(917) 261-6835
Mon–Sat, 10AM – 6PM
ACA Herald Square
(212) 457-6252
Mon-Sun: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
ACA Nomad
(845) 553-1040
Mon-Sat: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
ACA Carnegie Hill
(845) 314-9115
Mon – Fri: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
ACA Midtown East
(646) 843-0091
Mon-Sat: 11:00AM – 7:00PM
ACA Upper West Side
(212) 837-1067
Coming Soon
Bayside Queens, NY
(718) 229-4688
Mon-Sun: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
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