Cupping therapy has gained a ton of traction over the last few years. From pro athletes showing off circular bruises to wellness influencers singing its praises, this ancient therapy has officially gone mainstream. But with all the hype, there’s one big thing a lot of people aren’t talking about: the dangers of cupping—when it’s done by the wrong hands.

And that’s the real kicker. Cupping itself isn’t dangerous when performed by trained professionals who understand anatomy, pressure sensitivity, hygiene, and technique. But just like anything else in the health world, when shortcuts are taken or unqualified practitioners step in, things can go sideways fast.

Let’s walk through what cupping actually is, why it can go wrong, what the risks are, and—most importantly—how to protect yourself by choosing a clinic that knows what they’re doing. (Spoiler: we do.)

Understanding Cupping – What’s Really Going On Under the Skin?

Cupping is a therapy that involves creating suction on the skin using glass, silicone, bamboo, or plastic cups. The goal? Increase blood flow, relieve muscle tension, and promote healing by drawing stagnant blood or toxins to the surface.

There are two main types:

• Dry cupping, where suction is applied without cutting the skin.
  
• Wet cupping (a.k.a. Hijama), which involves minor incisions and is more invasive.
  

The suction lifts the skin and underlying tissue slightly into the cup, increasing circulation to that area. Done right, it’s incredibly therapeutic. Done wrong, and you’re looking at burns, infections, and long-term skin damage.

Why? Because the human body is sensitive. Improper placement over nerves, using too much pressure, or neglecting sanitation opens the door to real problems.

Common Causes of Cupping Complications

So when does cupping become dangerous? Let’s break it down:

1. Untrained or Underqualified Practitioners

This is, hands down, the biggest red flag. Cupping is often marketed as “easy,” which means more unlicensed people are trying their hand at it—sometimes even at spas or gyms with no medical oversight. But the reality is, if someone doesn’t fully understand your muscle anatomy, vascular system, or how to sterilize properly, they shouldn’t be touching you with a cup.

2. Overuse or Excessive Pressure

Too much suction can rupture blood vessels or damage capillaries beneath the skin. Some clinics push for maximum pressure thinking more = better, but that can actually lead to deep tissue bruising, skin blistering, or nerve irritation.

3. Improper Hygiene Practices

Inadequate sterilization can introduce bacteria into the skin—especially with wet cupping. Cross-contamination between clients, dirty cups, or poor aftercare guidance all raise your risk for infections like cellulitis or even staph.

4. Preexisting Health Conditions

People with conditions like hemophilia, anemia, varicose veins, or clotting disorders are at higher risk of complications. And yet, some cupping providers don’t even take a health history before starting.

5. Incorrect Placement or Technique

Placing cups over sensitive areas—like nerve clusters or bone landmarks—can trigger pain, numbness, or prolonged irritation. Neck and spine areas need especially skilled hands to avoid impinging nerves or causing strain.

How to Know When Something’s Wrong – Recognizing Red Flags

If you’ve had cupping done and something feels off, don’t ignore it. Here’s what to look out for:

• Unusual or spreading redness beyond the cup marks
  
• Intense pain that doesn’t subside after 24–48 hours
  
• Fever, chills, or pus, which can be signs of infection
  
• Skin that feels hot or swollen, particularly around cup sites
  
• Numbness or tingling in nearby areas
  

These aren’t just part of the healing process. They’re signals that something went wrong and should be evaluated by a professional.

Diagnosis – When to See a Doctor or a Trusted Clinic

If you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling is normal, it’s always better to play it safe.

Here’s what we recommend at Total Health:

• Self-Assessment: Is your discomfort sharp or just soreness? Is the area inflamed or just bruised?
  
• Timeline Check: If symptoms haven’t improved in 48 hours, or they’ve worsened, it’s time for medical input.
  
• Look for Systemic Signs: Fever, fatigue, or body aches? That could point to a systemic infection.
  

And hey, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional team that understands cupping (like us) to evaluate things properly. If needed, we can refer you to medical care or guide you on how to manage aftereffects.

Treatment Options – What to Do If Cupping Goes Wrong

If something’s gone wrong from cupping, there are ways to treat the issue depending on the severity:

Minor Bruising or Skin Irritation:

• Cool compresses
  
• Arnica or aloe vera gel
  
• Rest and hydration
  

Inflammation or Skin Infection:

• Topical antibiotic creams (like polysporin or mupirocin)
  
• Oral antibiotics if prescribed by a doctor
  

Nerve Pain or Deep Tissue Damage:

• Physical therapy
  
• Anti-inflammatory medications
  
• Ultrasound or myofascial treatments from a licensed therapist
  

The key takeaway? Don’t just wait it out if you’re in pain. A bad cupping session can lead to longer-term issues if not properly addressed.

Prevention – How to Avoid the Dangers of Cupping Altogether

There’s good news here: you can absolutely enjoy the benefits of cupping without risking your health—if you choose the right clinic.

Here’s what to look for in a safe provider:

• Certified practitioners with medical or therapeutic credentials
  
• Clinics that ask for a full health history before your first session
  
• Strict sterilization protocols
  
• Transparent techniques with explanation of pressure levels and cup types
  
• Follow-up care and aftercare instructions
  

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A reputable clinic won’t hesitate to walk you through what they’re doing and why.

At Total Health, we always prioritize your safety first—whether we’re using cupping, manual therapy, or advanced rehab techniques. We’re trained, certified, and know exactly how to apply cupping properly based on your specific needs, anatomy, and conditions.

Final Thoughts – Don’t Let One Bad Experience Define a Great Therapy

Cupping therapy can be powerful, healing, and transformative—but only when it’s done right. The truth is, most of the dangers associated with cupping aren’t from the therapy itself—they come from unqualified hands using bad techniques.

That’s why where you go matters. At Total Health, we do things differently. We combine years of clinical experience with safe, proven methods to make sure every session works for you, not against you.

So if you’re curious about cupping but want to make sure it’s done the right way, book a consultation with our team. Whether you’re new to it or recovering from a bad experience elsewhere, we’re here to help you heal the right way.