What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a form of traditional East Asian medicine that uses cups placed on the body to stimulate circulation, relieve muscle tension, and support the body’s natural detoxification pathways.
At Wildflower Acupuncture in Longmont, Colorado, cupping is often combined with acupuncture to enhance results, especially for pain, athletic recovery, stress management, and immune support.
It’s simple.
It’s powerful.
And yes, I LOVE cupping.
Not only do I love offering it to my patients, I personally receive it as part of my own wellness routine.
Health Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping works by increasing blood flow to targeted areas, decompressing tight tissue, and stimulating lymphatic movement. The result? Faster recovery and deeper relaxation.
✔ Improves Circulation
Tight muscles
Athletic recovery
High blood pressure support
Cold hands and feet
Improved circulation means more oxygen and nutrients delivered to tissues, and better removal of metabolic waste.
✔ Relieves Pain (ALL the Pain)
Cupping is incredibly effective for:
Back pain
Neck and shoulder tension
Sciatica
Headaches
Sports injuries
Chronic muscle tightness
When I trained at the CU Boulder Athletic Center, cupping was one of my go-to therapies for Division 1 athletes. It helped accelerate recovery, decrease inflammation, and improve performance.
This same approach now helps patients in Longmont dealing with chronic pain and overuse injuries.
✔ Supports Immune Function & Respiratory Health
Getting sick?
Can’t shake a lingering cough?
Cupping over the upper back and lung region can:
Support immune function
Improve respiratory circulation
Help move stagnation from the chest
Shorten recovery time
Many patients notice relief when they feel like they’re “on the verge” of getting sick.
✔ Reduces Anxiety & Stress
Cupping has a powerful nervous system regulation effect.
By decompressing tissue and increasing circulation, it:
Activates parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) response
Lowers stress hormones
Relieves physical tension tied to anxiety
Improves sleep
If your stress lives in your shoulders or upper back, cupping can be a game changer.
✔ Improves the Appearance of Cellulite
Cupping increases local blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which may temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite and stagnant tissue.
While it’s not a weight-loss treatment, it can enhance circulation in targeted areas.
Why Do World-Class Athletes Get Cupped?
You may have noticed circular marks on elite athletes during the Olympics.
Professional athletes like:
Michael Phelps
DeMarcus Ware
Kyle Singler
Use cupping to:
Improve recovery
Reduce muscle soreness
Increase range of motion
Enhance performance
Celebrities such as:
Jennifer Aniston
Jessica Simpson
Lady Gaga
Have also publicly supported cupping therapy.
If it works at the highest levels of sport and performance, it can absolutely support your body, too.
Conditions I Commonly Treat with Cupping in Longmont
At Wildflower Acupuncture, I regularly use cupping therapy to support patients with:
Sciatica
High stress levels
Tension headaches
Chronic neck and back pain
Athletic recovery
Lingering coughs
Immune support
It’s one of my most versatile and effective tools.
What to Expect After Cupping
Circular marks (not bruises) may appear
Marks typically fade within 3–7 days
Most patients feel looser and more relaxed immediately
Hydration helps enhance results
The marks are a sign of increased circulation, not tissue damage.
Cupping Therapy in Longmont, Colorado
If you're looking for:
Natural pain relief
Stress reduction
Immune support
Athletic recovery
Circulation improvement
Cupping therapy may be exactly what your body needs.
At Wildflower Acupuncture in Longmont, CO, cupping is combined with acupuncture for comprehensive care tailored to your needs.
Good health starts with you.
Choose to BLOOM.
