24/02/2026
What's the difference?
Traditional cupping is a Chinese medicine which uses static glass cups and heat to focus on specific meridian, energy flow pathways and detoxing. They often leave distinct circular red/purple marks similar to bruises on the skin surface.
Myofascial cupping utilizes plastic or silicone based cups with the target of releasing the fascia, a connective tissue which can cause dysfunction in the body, along with improving musculoskeletal tension and mobility and reducing scar tissue build up.
Marks are often minimal, if not, existent at all following treatment if done correctly.
The tissue is disrupted by gliding movement of the cups to assist with lift and separation of the tissues. Comfort level is generally better in myofascial cupping but also dependent on suction intensity and duration.
Functional cupping is a specific method of myofascial cupping where cups are placed stationary on the body area and the client performs movement to stretch, lift and release the tissues. This method is very effective for those with ongoing stubborn tension and mobility restrictions.
Athletes often use myofascial cupping as part of recovery and event preparation.
Both can be used for deep tissue release in conjunction with traditional remedial massage methods.
Here we utilize functional and modern myofascial cupping methods.