What Is Cupping Therapy? Benefits, How It Works, and What to Expect at Our St. Peter Office
At Rising Sun Chiropractic + Weight Loss in St. Peter, MN, we are always looking for natural, evidence-informed techniques to support healing, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life. One powerful and often overlooked method is cupping therapy—a time-tested treatment that has helped people feel better for centuries.
Whether you’re dealing with muscle tightness, nerve pain, or chronic inflammation, cupping therapy may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a non-invasive bodywork technique that originated in ancient medicine and has been used for thousands of years in cultures around the world. At its core, cupping uses small cups placed on the skin to create suction, which lifts and decompresses the tissue underneath.
At our St. Peter clinic, we use plastic cupping sets to gently lift soft tissue and stimulate blood flow, promoting the body’s natural healing response.
How Does Cupping Therapy Work?
The process is simple, safe, and comfortable. Here’s how it works at Rising Sun Chiropractic + Weight Loss:
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A trained provider places small plastic cups on specific areas of your skin, typically over areas of tension or pain.
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A manual pump is used to create a gentle vacuum, which lifts the skin and underlying fascia.
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The cups remain on the skin for several minutes—usually between 5–10 minutes, depending on the individual’s needs.
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After removal, the area may show temporary circular marks, which is a normal part of the process.
Most patients describe the sensation as light pressure or a stretching feeling—not painful. Many people feel immediate relief, especially if cupping is combined with other therapies like chiropractic adjustments, Graston technique, or soft tissue work.
What Are the Benefits of Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy has been shown to support the healing of various musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions. Benefits include:
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Improved circulation in tight or restricted areas
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Reduced inflammation and muscle soreness
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Faster recovery from workouts, injuries, or chronic stress
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Decompression of nerve entrapment, helping relieve pinched nerves
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Enhanced mobility and flexibility
Patients often seek cupping therapy for:
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Chronic back or neck pain
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Headaches and migraines
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Sciatica
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Shoulder and hip tension
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Plantar fasciitis
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Myofascial pain syndrome
Is Cupping Therapy Safe?
Yes—cupping is a low-risk, natural therapy with very few side effects. The most common effect is temporary skin discoloration or bruising where the cups were applied. These marks are not painful and usually fade within 3–7 days.
At our St. Peter clinic, cupping is always performed by trained professionals who tailor the treatment to your specific needs and comfort level.
Is Cupping Therapy Right for You?
Cupping therapy can be a powerful complement to chiropractic care, laser therapy, decompression, or soft tissue work. It’s especially helpful for those with chronic muscle tension, inflammation, or nerve compression.
If you’ve been struggling with pain that hasn’t responded to traditional methods, cupping could be the missing piece in your healing plan.
Schedule a Cupping Therapy Appointment in St. Peter, MN
Ready to try cupping therapy? At Rising Sun Chiropractic + Weight Loss, we serve patients throughout St. Peter, Mankato, North Mankato, and surrounding southern Minnesota communities.
Cupping sessions can be scheduled as stand-alone visits or incorporated into your regular chiropractic or rehab plan.
📞 Call us at 507-934-3333 to schedule your appointment or ask questions about whether cupping is a good fit for you.
📍 Visit us at 1520 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, MN 56082