Cupping Therapy in Manhattan Beach

Explore cupping therapy with Dr. Lea Kelley, DC, LAc, in Manhattan Beach. Your visit begins with an evaluation to determine whether cupping fits your individual care.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is a traditional therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. Unlike massage, which applies pressure, cupping gently draws the skin upward into the cup.

Cupping has a long history in Chinese medicine and other traditional healing systems. Today, it is also used as a complementary approach to pain management.

Research suggests that cupping may help reduce pain, but the evidence remains limited. Results vary, and treatment recommendations should reflect your individual needs.

Cupping in Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine, cupping is used with the intention of moving Qi and blood, addressing stagnation, and helping dispel external influences described as wind, cold, and dampness.

These concepts form part of the traditional Chinese medicine framework used to understand patterns of discomfort and guide individualized care.

Core traditional concepts include:

  • Moving Qi and blood: Encouraging movement where stagnation is traditionally associated with pain or tightness.

  • Dispelling wind, cold, and dampness: Addressing patterns described in Chinese medicine as external influences contributing to discomfort.

  • Supporting flow through the meridians: Working with the channels described in Chinese medicine to encourage balance.

These are traditional explanations of treatment rather than established biomedical mechanisms.

Common Cupping Techniques

Cupping techniques differ in how suction is created and whether the cups remain still or move across the skin.

  • Fire cupping: A flame is briefly introduced inside a glass cup and removed before the cup is placed on the skin, creating suction. The flame does not touch the skin.

  • Stationary cupping: Cups remain in selected locations for a period determined by the practitioner.

  • Moving or sliding cupping: Oil is applied to the skin so the practitioner can glide the cups across the treatment area.

Dry cupping does not involve piercing the skin. It can include stationary or moving techniques, with suction created using fire or a mechanical method.

Common Reasons For Cupping

People often seek cupping for muscle tension and discomfort affecting daily activities, exercise, or relaxation. Common concerns include:

  • Back, neck, and shoulder discomfort: Persistent tightness, stiffness, or muscular aches.

  • Muscle soreness after activity: Areas of tension following exercise, physical work, or repetitive movements.

  • Headaches associated with neck and shoulder tension: Following an evaluation to determine whether cupping is appropriate.

  • Restricted movement associated with muscle tightness: Discomfort when turning, reaching, or moving through everyday activities.

In traditional Chinese medicine, cupping is also used for patterns associated with respiratory, digestive, or menstrual concerns. These traditional uses have less established research support and require an individualized assessment.

Dr. Kelley considers your symptoms, health history, and treatment goals when determining whether to include cupping in your care.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Your visit begins with a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, medications, and treatment goals. Dr. Kelley also assesses the skin and area being considered for treatment.

Cups are placed on selected areas, creating a pulling or tightening sensation. Let Dr. Kelley know if you experience pain or uncomfortable suction so treatment can be adjusted.

The cupping portion of treatment typically lasts about 10 minutes, depending on your needs. Temporary circular marks may remain after the cups are removed.

Before you leave, Dr. Kelley will explain any aftercare recommendations and discuss how to assess your response.

A brief look at heart-shaped cupping marks following treatment with Dr. Lea Kelley in Manhattan Beach. Cupping can leave temporary skin discoloration, and the appearance varies from person to person.

Circular cupping marks on patient's neck and shoulder following cupping therapy with Dr. Lea Kelley
Circular cupping marks on patient's neck and shoulder following cupping therapy with Dr. Lea Kelley

Cupping marks following treatment with Dr. Lea Kelley in Manhattan Beach. Shared with patient permission.

An Individualized Approach to Your Care

Dr. Lea Kelley is dually licensed in acupuncture and chiropractic, with nearly 30 years of clinical experience.

Her approach considers your symptoms, daily activities, and overall health. When appropriate, cupping may be incorporated into a plan that also includes acupuncture or chiropractic care.

Whether you are seeking help for recurring tension or discomfort associated with an active lifestyle, your care begins with understanding your concerns.

Learn more about acupuncture and chiropractic care at Dr. Kelley’s Manhattan Beach office.

Cupping Therapy FAQs

  • You may feel pulling, tightness, or pressure. Tell Dr. Kelley immediately if the sensation becomes painful or uncomfortable.

  • Suction can cause temporary skin discoloration where the cups were placed. These marks are not a measure of toxins or treatment success.

    Tell other healthcare providers that you recently received cupping if they examine the treated area.

  • There is no single schedule that suits everyone. Recommendations depend on your symptoms, health history, and response to treatment. Dr. Kelley will reassess whether continuing cupping is useful for you.

  • Cupping is not appropriate for everyone. Dr. Kelley reviews your health history, medications, skin condition, and treatment area before recommending care.

    Before treatment, please disclose:

    • Pregnancy

    • Blood-thinning medications or bleeding disorders

    • A history of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or stroke

    • Anemia

    • Reduced skin sensation, including diabetic neuropathy

    • Cardiovascular disease, a pacemaker, or another implanted medical device

    • Seizure disorders or other significant medical conditions

    These circumstances may require avoiding cupping, modifying treatment, or consulting your treating physician.

    Cupping should not be applied over open wounds, infected or actively inflamed skin, or an area with a known or suspected blood clot. It may worsen eczema or psoriasis.

    Dr. Kelley will determine whether cupping is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

    Before treatment, Dr. Kelley will review expected effects, potential risks, and aftercare with you.

  • When clinically appropriate, Dr. Kelley may include cupping alongside acupuncture or chiropractic care. Your recommendations will depend on the findings of your evaluation.


Schedule Cupping Therapy in Manhattan Beach

Interested in learning whether cupping is appropriate for you? Contact Dr. Kelley’s office to discuss your concerns and schedule an appointment.

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Serving Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.

This information is educational and does not replace an individualized medical evaluation. Treatment results vary.

Research reference: Cupping—National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)