Cupping Therapy in NYC Chinatown

Cupping at Centre St is stationary cupping on the upper back and shoulders: glass or silicone cups are set on the tight areas and left for roughly 5 to 10 minutes each, sometimes slid along the muscle line first with a little oil. We do not do wet cupping — no needles, no bleeding, no broken skin at any point.

Expect round marks. They range from pink to deep purple depending on how congested the area is, they are not bruises from pressure, and they usually fade in 3 to 7 days. If you have a wedding, a beach trip, or anything backless coming up, book cupping after it, not before — this is the single most common regret guests tell us about.

Most people book cupping as a 15 to 20 minute addition at the end of a tuina session rather than on its own, because the muscle releases more easily once it has been warmed and worked. Tell the front desk when you book so the time is set aside; walk-ins are welcome, but a combined slot is easier to guarantee in the evening.

Avoid cupping if you are pregnant, on blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, very thin or fragile skin, eczema or sunburn over the area, or a fever. Bring it up at check-in and we will keep the session to tuina or hot stone instead.