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Seven Medicine

Treatments

Cupping

Often added for muscular tension in the back, neck and shoulders.
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Dr. Kristina placing glass fire-cupping cups along a patient's back

What it is

About cupping

Cupping uses glass cups and gentle suction (traditionally created with a brief flame — the flame never touches your skin) to lift and draw the skin and underlying tissue. Cups may be left in place or glided over oiled skin.

What to expect

A pulling, often relieving sensation. Cupping commonly leaves round, painless marks that fade over several days — plan accordingly if you have an event.

$49.99 add-on to an acupuncture visit.

Often part of care for

Where it fits

  • Neck, shoulder & back tension
  • Muscular pain
  • Recovery
Browse conditions

Safety

Not used over broken or irritated skin. Tell us if you bruise easily or take blood thinners.

Research

What the research says

We summarize the highest-quality research we can find — systematic reviews, Cochrane reviews, guidelines and large trials — including results that don't favor acupuncture. You deserve the full picture.

Reviewed October 2026. Research describes groups of people, not guarantees for any individual. Explore the research →

Cupping & gua sha

Reviews found cupping reduced chronic pain and neck pain compared with no treatment, though it didn't clearly beat sham cupping and studies were generally low quality. A small trial found gua sha gave short-term neck-pain relief compared with a heat pad. Both commonly leave temporary marks.

3 sources
  1. [1]Cramer H, Klose P, Teut M, et al. Cupping for Patients With Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pain. 2020;21(9-10):943-956. PubMed 31982686 (opens in a new tab) · DOI 10.1016/j.jpain.2020.01.002 (opens in a new tab)· systematic review and meta-analysis
  2. [2]Kim S, Lee SH, Kim MR, et al. Is cupping therapy effective in patients with neck pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2018;8(11):e021070. PubMed 30397006 (opens in a new tab) · DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021070 (opens in a new tab)· systematic review and meta-analysis
  3. [3]Braun M, Schwickert M, Nielsen A, et al. Effectiveness of traditional Chinese "gua sha" therapy in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Pain Med. 2011;12(3):362-9. PubMed 21276190 (opens in a new tab) · DOI 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2011.01053.x (opens in a new tab)· randomized controlled trial (small, open-label)

FAQ

Cupping questions

Are the marks bruises?

They're temporary discoloration from suction, usually painless, and typically fade within a few days to a week.

View all FAQs

Still have questions?

or call(507) 258-7771

Initial consultation · 30 minutes

Start with a conversation.

Your first visit is a 30-minute consultation with Dr. Kristina Gacesa: your history, a TCM assessment, an AcuGraph baseline and a personalized recommendation with exact pricing. No treatment plan is required to book.

$49.99

Introductory rate · normally $249.99 · through Dec 31, 2026

If you continue: $159.99/visit, or $129.99/visit on a treatment plan.

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Have a question first? or call (507) 258-7771

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