Before & After Cupping: Real Stories and Healing Benefits
Before and After Cupping: Real Patient Experiences
What Happens in Cupping Therapy?
Ever curious about what actually happens at a cupping session—or what you're left with afterward?
Perhaps you've noticed those circular marks on a sports person's back and wondered, "Does it hurt?" "Is it a fad?" or "Does it do anything for you?"
Here at Open Care Community, located in Brooklyn, we've assisted hundreds of patients with their initial experience with cupping, so we are used to answering people's questions. If you're looking for pain relief, muscle recovery, or just a new way to interact with your body, cupping is an effective tool with a long history dating back centuries in Chinese medicine.
Along the way, we'll address frequently asked questions, and give you all our behind-the-scenes information as to why this treatment is so effective for patients of all kinds.
🧡 Curious about trying it yourself? Reserve your first cupping treatment or learn more about bodywork at Open Care Community.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is one of the oldest healing practices that is practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The technique uses glass, silicone, or bamboo cups that are applied to the skin to create suction. The suction gently draws up the skin and the tissue below the skin, which promotes blood flow, relaxes spasming muscles, and promotes the flow of stagnant qi, or energy, in the body.
Cupping has been around for thousands of years and is still frequently used in Chinese hospitals. It is used by athletes, office workers, and health enthusiasts today to relieve pain, aid in healing, and balance the body.
We have various kinds of cups at Open Care Community, including:
Dry Cupping: The most popular type, employing cups on the skin that do not pull in blood.
Silicone sliding: cupping involves gliding cups over oiled skin, a technique designed to alleviate fascial tension and enhance mobility.
Whether you're just beginning to learn about Chinese medicine or seeking natural alternatives to conventional pain relief, cupping can provide remarkable effects.
Preparation for the Cupping Experience
First timer with cupping? Don't worry, you're not alone—and at Open Care, we're here to walk you through every step.
How to prepare for your session:
✅ Drink on the day of your appointment—proper hydration maintains blood flow and enables your body to react positively to treatment.
✅ Have a light snack 1–2 hours beforehand. Don't arrive either with a full or an empty stomach. The best answer is C.
✅ Wear loose, comfortable clothing so your therapist has easy access to those areas that need to be treated, probably the back, shoulders, or legs.
Your practitioner will take the time to learn about your body's needs, ask about your symptoms, activity level, sleep, digestion, and mood. This allows us to customize your cupping treatment as part of a whole body treatment.
First-time jitters? Don't worry about it, that's completely normal. Most patients are nervous the first time but end up feeling lighter, looser, and just plain amazed at how gentle cupping is.
"We listen to you and inform you of everything. This is your body—just here to help it heal." – Open Care Practitioner
Healthline’s tips on preparing for cupping
During a Cupping Session: Real Patient Descriptions
And then what happens is that you're on the table.
At Open Care Community, your cupping therapy starts with a brief intake—your practitioner asks about your symptoms, any recent trauma, and your overall energy (qi) flow. Then, based on what you need, they'll select the correct size and type of cups.
How does it feel? Most patients say the sensation is:
A gentle pulling or hard pressure
Calming and very relaxing
Like a reverse massage, it draws tension outward instead of pressing it inward.
Cups are held for about 10 to 20 minutes. In the sliding, or oiled moving, cupping, your practitioner will gently move the cups over the oiled skin, relaxing tension and increasing lymphatic circulation.
💬 Real Patient Snapshot: Amal’s First Time
"I came with a chronic shoulder ache from CrossFit. The idea of cups felt strange at first, but when implemented, I felt a deep release. Coming up from the ground, I felt my shoulder glide with ease—nearly effortlessly."
Our environment is peaceful and supportive—whether you're in one room or a shared living space, you'll be cared for by dedicated professionals.
🧡 Ready to try cupping for yourself? Book your session here.
What Comes Next After Cupping?
If you remove the cups, you'll likely see:
Red or purple ring marks where the cups rested affectionately referred to as "cup kisses"
A feeling of relaxation or freedom that travels through your body.
A wave of relaxation or fatigue, which is normal
These temporary skin lines are not bruises or trauma. Instead, they mean that stagnant blood and fluids have traveled to the top, indicating your body is beginning to flush them out. These lines typically fade in a period of 2 to 7 days, depending on tissue and circulatory health.
Post-Session Self-Care Recommendations Open Care Practitioners:
Do ✅ Don’t ❌
Hydrate well Take a hot shower right away
Rest and relax Do a heavy workout the same day
Keep the area warm Expose the area to cold/wind
Stretch gently if needed Panic about the marks—they’re normal!
🔗 Verywell Health: Cupping Therapy, what you should know
Long Term Outcomes: What Do Real Patients Report?
The most common comment we hear from patients after a couple of sessions of cupping?
"I didn't realize how tight I was until I felt this much better."
Below are a few anecdotes of real patients in the Open Care Community:
💬 “They are so wonderful and provide such deep and quality treatments. I’ve seen Jenny and Rachel and both are so knowledgeable and skilled at targeting deep muscles. I love community acupuncture and I highly recommend checking them out. I moved farther away but still travel for them because there’s nowhere else this great.” - Jolie Saltiel
💬 “Paid $35 for community acupuncture as a returning customer. They do have a $45 special for new customers. The place requires you to wear a health mask. I love that they have different beds to lay in. My favorite is the heated bed. Although it's done with other people in the space I have never felt uncomfortable. They have someone who works for the company in the room. I've tried cupping and gua sha here as well. They do sell products and have an area in the entry where they provide water. I will definitely continue to come here.” - Samantha C
💬 “I’ve finally found the best acupuncture practice I’ve ever been to in the city. I go here every Saturday morning and basically get privatized treatment while paying the community rate—that is how much they care about all their customers. Jenny is the best acupuncturist I’ve ever worked with because she personalizes every treatment and really gets to the root cause of all my pain. I leave every session feeling sore and tired but am free of all pain the day after—the best feeling ever! If she’s this caring for community-rate paying customers, I can only imagine how much more care she puts into private appointments. Besides the service, the facilities are pristine and well maintained.
Highly recommend Open Care Community!” - Krithi Rao
Most patients experience improvements in:
Mobility and flexibility.
Pain ratings
Stress, sleep, and energy
A feeling of general relief and being grounded
Whether you're exercising and recovering or have chronic tension, our practitioners can help. Book your cupping session today.
Who Should Try Cupping (and Who Shouldn't)?
Cupping is effective, available, and safe for most, but not for everyone. Here's the simple rundown:
✅ Suitable for:
Athletes requiring quicker muscle recovery
Overworked professionals suffering from neck, back, or jaw strain
Individuals receiving fertility assistance (such as IVF)
Individuals with tight muscles, long-standing headaches, circulatory problems, or trapped emotional energy
Use caution or avoid if you have:
Open sores, burns, or rashes over the treatment area
Have a bleeding disorder or are on strong blood thinners (call your doctor first)
Recent surgery or severe varicose veins in the region
Bottom line? Cupping is extremely safe when performed by trained professionals, and we'll always determine if it's appropriate for you.
🤔Not sure if cupping is appropriate for your condition? Book a free consultation or call us, we'd be happy to help.
Cupping at Open Care Community: What We're Different About
What sets Open Care apart from the other Brooklyn clinics that offer cupping treatment?
✅Trained and licensed bodyworkers specially trained in sports-oriented and East Asian medicine techniques.
✅Sliding-scale pricing that respects your budget, without requiring income verification.
✅ A trauma-informed, body-positive space for individuals of all identities and backgrounds
✅Downtown Brooklyn offers convenience within a minute's walk of large subway lines.
✅We care, listening to the story your body is attempting to tell you, instead of just treating your symptoms.
Open Care Community FAQs on Cupping
First-time patients tend to bring with them a plethora of thoughtful questions. Below is a list of some of the most asked ones:
Q: Is cupping painful?
A: Most patients experience a sharp pulling or pressure sensation, though they don't hurt. If it ever becomes uncomfortable, just let your practitioner know.
Q. Is cupping safe during pregnancy or IVF?
A: Absolutely—albeit with some adjustments. Our trained therapists, experienced in treating fertility clients, will safely adapt your session to suit your requirements.
Q. How frequently do I have to practice?
A: It varies according to what you need! Some patients return weekly, and others use it as needed for flare-ups.
Q: Can cupping be combined with acupuncture or herbal consultations at Open Care?
A: Yes. Most patients fare best when they combine therapies that treat their body's qi and imbalances.
Q: What is community acupuncture + cupping like?
A: You will be sharing a room with other patients (spaced out and masked), receiving one-on-one attention in a quiet recovery area.
Still unsure? Call us at (917) 426-1138 or email info@opencarecommunity.com to speak with a practitioner.
Conclusion: Real Healing, Real Experiences
Cupping therapy is not only a wellbeing trend—it's a centuries-old therapy that works. At Open Care Community, we've witnessed directly how it alleviates patients' pain, enables them to move more freely, and feel more in touch with their bodies. Whether you're an athlete, undergoing IVF, or simply have a sore neck from too much screen time, we can assist you before, during, and after your recovery process.
You deserve to be cared for by someone who hears you, understands your needs, and empowers you. Start your journey of healing today.
✅Start Your Journey. You may schedule your initial acupressure or cupping, or bodywork treatment at OpenCareCommunity.com or by phone at (917) 426-1138. Your body will appreciate it.
