
24/07/2025
From Cow Horns to Glass Cups: The Evolution of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy has been used for thousands of years across many traditional cultures, including Traditional Chinese Medicine. In ancient times, practitioners used hollowed-out cow horns to create suction on the skin, drawing out stagnation, promoting circulation, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
These early forms of cupping relied on manual suction—sometimes created by the mouth or heat—and were primarily used to relieve pain, clear heat, or remove “toxins” from the body.
Today, cupping has evolved into a refined and hygienic therapy, using glass, silicone, or plastic cups with controlled suction. Modern cupping is:
More comfortable and precise
Tailored to therapeutic needs (dry, sliding, or wet cupping)
Often integrated with acupuncture and massage
Backed by increasing scientific research for musculoskeletal and systemic benefits
At Northern Beaches Integrative Practitioners, we honour the ancient roots of this powerful therapy while embracing modern techniques to ensure safe, effective treatment.
Cupping is no longer a mystery—it's a respected tool in natural health.