How Often Can You Do Cupping? (Health Coach's Tips)

How Often Can You Do Cupping and How Long Should You Cup Is Answered by Our Certified Wellness Coaches

As the director of the wellness coach team at FindItHealth.com, I aim to provide research-based data related to how often cupping therapy can be done. 

Cupping is a therapeutic technique where cups are placed on the skin to create suction. This suction can help to promote blood flow, relieve chronic pain, and reduce acute inflammation. The frequency of cupping depends on the individual’s needs and should be discussed with a trained professional.

Our research team has found that it is better to limit the frequency to a maximum of twice per week. Let’s dive into more detail:

How Often Can You Do Cupping and How Long Should You Cup Is Answered by Our Certified Wellness Coaches

How Long Should You Do Cupping?


The length of a cupping session can vary depending on the individual’s needs and the practitioner’s approach. Typically, a cupping session lasts between 10 and 30 minutes

What Is Cupping?

Cupping is an ancient form of alternative therapy used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Eastern cultures.

By releasing toxins and promoting energy flow in regions up to four inches beneath the skin, cupping can help overcome blockages.

This promotes blood circulation, muscle relaxation, and a calming effect on the nervous system. It is often used to treat conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, neck or cervical pain, arthritis, vertigo and dizziness, fibromyalgia or pain in soft tissues, and respiratory disorders.

How Long Does A Cupping Session Lasts?

For optimal results, cupping is best performed in multiple sessions, with the frequency and duration varying according to the intended outcome and level of intervention required.

As an example, the detoxification process may require either a single session or multiple sessions, depending on the level of toxins present in the individual’s body. On the other hand, addressing a muscular disorder may necessitate a series of brief sessions, typically spanning a few weeks.

Using Bruising As a Guide for Cupping Frequency

Cupping typically results in visible bruising on the skin, which can serve as a guide for determining the appropriate timing of subsequent sessions. It might require multiple days or even a few weeks for the bruising to completely disappear, and it’s recommended to postpone scheduling another treatment until the marks have healed.

Safety Of Cupping Therapy

Generally, extended cupping sessions are not advised as they may lead to skin irritation or bruising. As a precaution, it is essential to seek guidance from a trained practitioner before undergoing cupping therapy to ensure its safety and suitability for your unique circumstances.

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How Often Should You Do Cupping For Weight Loss?


Cupping sessions for weight loss may be done once or twice a week, but the need for additional treatments may be suggested based on the initial severity of the cupping marks.

The objective is to observe a gradual reduction in the intensity of the marks during the cupping process.

How Cupping Works for Weight Loss?

Cupping can help to break down stubborn fat cells and improve the metabolism, leading to a reduction in body weight. By triggering pressure points, cupping can remove toxins from the body, improve blood flow, and stimulate the production of endorphins or happy hormones, which can manage appetite and reduce anxiety. It can also help reduce cravings, leading to better dietary choices and ultimately weight loss.

Optimizing Cupping Therapy For Weight Loss

Nevertheless, for weight loss, it is generally advised to undergo cupping therapy once or twice per week. For optimal outcomes, it is essential to integrate cupping with a nutritious diet and consistent physical activity, as well as follow the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

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How Often Can You Do Cupping For Cellulite?


Generally, cupping sessions for cellulite may be done once or twice a week, but the frequency of cupping therapy for cellulite removal may vary depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of their condition.

How Cupping Works for Cellulite?

Cupping therapy for cellulite works by improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage in the affected areas, which can help to break down the fat and toxins that contribute to the appearance of cellulite.

The therapy is also believed to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which can help to firm and tighten the skin. Additionally, cupping therapy is believed to help reduce inflammation and stimulate the immune system, which can further support the removal of toxins and the reduction of cellulite.

Optimizing Cupping Therapy For Cellulite

Some practitioners recommend starting with one session per week for several weeks, followed by bi-weekly or monthly sessions for maintenance.

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Can You Do Cupping Every Day?


It is generally not recommended to do cupping every day, as frequent cupping may cause skin irritation, bruising, or other adverse effects. While cupping is considered a safe therapy when performed by a trained professional, overdoing it may lead to discomfort and potential harm.

Caution Regarding Repeat Cupping

It is not advisable to place a cup on a spot where a previous cupping session has caused bruising. This is because the area is still healing and may be sensitive or tender, and applying suction to the same spot can cause further damage or prolong the healing process. It is recommended to wait until the bruising has subsided before performing cupping therapy on the same area again.

Recovery Time For Cupping Sessions

Typically, cupping sessions are done once a week or every two weeks. It is important to allow time for the body to recover between sessions and to give the skin time to heal. Overuse of cupping therapy can also lead to a weakening of the skin and blood vessels, making it more susceptible to injury.

Recommended Frequency For Cupping Sessions

To obtain optimal results, it is advisable to adhere to the guidelines on how often and how long the treatment should be, as suggested by a licensed practitioner.

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How Often Should You Do Wet Cupping?


The frequency of wet cupping sessions depends on the individual’s condition and response to treatment and should be discussed with a trained practitioner. In general, wet cupping is done once every two to four weeks, with each session lasting about 30 to 45 minutes.

What Is Wet Cupping?

Wet or Bleeding cupping is a type of cupping technique that is more intrusive in nature. It involves making minor cuts in the skin prior to placing the cups in order to extract a small quantity of blood.

Caution and Guidelines for Wet Cupping

Due to the invasive nature of wet cupping, it is advisable to practice it less frequently than dry cupping. It is important to allow time for the body to recover between sessions and to monitor for any adverse effects, such as infection or excessive bleeding. You could try dry needling instead.

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Frequently Asked Questions


How long should you wait between cupping sessions?

The length of time between cupping sessions is determined by the person’s health status, their reaction to treatment, and the state of any bruises from earlier sessions.

In general, it is recommended to wait at least one week between dry cupping sessions to allow the skin time to heal and recover. Wet cupping, which involves the removal of small amounts of blood, requires more time to recover, and it is recommended to wait at least two to four weeks between sessions.

However, it is important to discuss the frequency and duration of cupping sessions with a trained practitioner, who can customize the treatment plan based on the individual’s needs and medical history. It is also important to monitor for any adverse effects, such as skin irritation or bruising, and to report them to the practitioner.

Can you do cupping too often?

Yes, it is possible to do cupping too often, which may cause skin irritation, bruising, or other adverse effects. While cupping is generally considered a safe therapy, overdoing it may lead to discomfort and potential harm.

Generally, it is recommended to wait at least one week between dry cupping sessions and two to four weeks between wet cupping sessions to allow the body time to recover. It is also important to monitor for any adverse effects and to report them to the practitioner.

How do I get started with cupping?

To start cupping therapy, it is important to research its benefits, risks and contraindications to make an informed decision. 

  1. Finding a licensed and experienced practitioner who specializes in cupping therapy can be done by asking for recommendations from healthcare providers, friends, or family members or searching for practitioners online.
  2. A consultation with the practitioner is necessary to discuss medical history, concerns, and goals to determine whether cupping is safe and appropriate. 
  3. The practitioner will then develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include the frequency and duration of cupping sessions and any complementary therapies or lifestyle changes.
  4. To maintain an optimal pace, it is recommended to have a cupping session every week, with careful attention not to place cups on bruised areas. 

Previous cupping marks must completely fade before cupping the same area again.The extent of stagnation in an area can be determined by the darkness of the bruise caused by cupping. Over time, bruises tend to fade as repeated cupping sessions occur, resulting in reduced inflammation and pain and quicker recovery time. It is common for multiple sessions to be necessary for the full effects to be experienced.

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Conclusion – Research by Findithealth.com

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Cupping is a therapeutic technique involving the placement of cups on the skin to create suction, promoting blood flow, chronic pain relief, overcome addictions and relieves muscle tension. There are two main types: dry cupping and wet cupping, each with its own benefits and considerations.

Cupping sessions should typically be scheduled once or twice a week, depending on the desired outcome and individual needs. However, daily cupping is generally not recommended due to the potential for skin irritation and bruising. It is important to wait for bruising to fade before repeating cupping in the same area.

A trained practitioner should be consulted to determine the optimal frequency and duration of cupping sessions for specific conditions.

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Find It Health Editor in Chief Luz Chacon Health and Wellness Coach Giving You Advice

Luz Chacon

Luz Chacon is a Health Educator, Wellness Coach, and EFT Tapping Practitioner with 30+ years in health advocacy. Specializing in stress management, wellbeing, and holistic health, she created a 40% stress reduction employee program. Luz is dedicated to helping busy individuals prioritize self-care, break patterns, and reach goals. She offers programs for organizations and individuals. Luz is passionate about sharing her health research and guiding informed choices!

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