Types of Cupping Therapy: Dry, Fire, Wet, and More

Dry cupping uses vacuum suction to draw the skin up into stationary cups, with no fire and no incisions. It is the most widely offered form and a safe starting point for most people.

Providers place several cups and leave them for 5 to 15 minutes. You feel a steady pull, and the cups often leave temporary circular marks, which we explain in the guide to cupping marks.

Also called gliding or moving cupping, this style adds oil to the skin so the cups can slide. The provider moves them across muscles to release tension and improve circulation, blending cupping with massage.

Licensed massage therapists most often offer this style. It tends to feel like a deep, broad massage stroke.

Fire cupping is the traditional method. A brief flame heats the air inside a glass cup, and as the air cools the cup grips the skin. The flame never touches you, it only removes oxygen to create suction.

Licensed acupuncturists trained in traditional Chinese medicine most often perform fire cupping.

Wet cupping, also called hijama, combines suction with small, superficial incisions to draw a small amount of blood. It requires specific training and licensing, and availability varies by state and provider.

Because it breaks the skin, wet cupping calls for a provider who follows strict hygiene and safety standards.

Facial cupping uses small, soft cups with gentle suction to stimulate circulation and support skin tone. Sessions are brief and are often paired with a facial or massage. The cups are kept moving so they do not leave marks.

Myofascial decompression is the clinical name for cupping used in physical therapy and sports rehab. Providers often combine the cups with movement, asking you to stretch or move the area while the cups are on, to restore range of motion and support recovery.

Physical therapists and athletic trainers use this approach, and it is popular for athletic recovery.

Pick the style by your goal. For general muscle tension, dry or massage cupping is a good start. For rehab and mobility, look for myofascial decompression. You can filter providers by profession and style on cuppingtherapynearme.com.

If you want to practice gentle dry cupping at home, a complete kit like the Myofascial Releaser cupping set gives you multiple cup sizes and clear instructions.