Cupping & Medical Acupuncture

Cupping Therapy

Cupping is an ancient therapeutic technique deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine as well as Arabic medicine, designed to promote natural healing through the strategic application of suction cups on the skin. This process effectively encourages increased blood flow to the targeted areas, facilitating the removal of toxins while simultaneously relieving muscle tension and stiffness. Widely recognised for its therapeutic efficacy, cupping therapy is especially beneficial in alleviating chronic pain, reducing inflammation, and enhancing overall physical and mental well-being. This non-invasive treatment is typically well-tolerated, with only minor, temporary side effects such as mild redness, slight bruising, or tenderness in the treated areas—symptoms that usually resolve within a few days without intervention.

Historically, cupping therapy has been used in China for thousands of years as part of holistic health practices. In more recent times, it has gained popularity among elite athletes, including Olympic swimmers, who use it to alleviate muscle pain and assist in the detoxification process. Practitioners commonly apply cupping on areas such as the back, neck, and shoulders to address musculoskeletal conditions, expel harmful pathogens, and move stagnant energies within the body. The therapy works to increase blood circulation and improve the flow of Qi (vital energy), which is essential for maintaining health according to traditional theories.

During a session, glass / plastic cups are placed onto the skin after creating a partial vacuum inside them. This vacuum causes the cups to adhere firmly to the skin, helping to mobilize Qi and blood to the affected area. This treatment often results in a warm, pulling, or stretching sensation on the skin, which should be comfortable and not painful. Following the therapy, patients may observe slight reddening or a ring-shaped mark caused by the suction from the cup edges at the treatment site. These characteristic cupping marks are harmless and typically fade completely within approximately 10 days, leaving no permanent marks.

Medical Acupuncture / Dry Needling

Medical acupuncture / dry needling are specialised techniques involving the insertion of fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate healing, relieve pain, and improve musculoskeletal function. While acupuncture is grounded in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine principles, dry needling / Medical Acupuncture is often utilised within a Western medical framework to target myofascial trigger points, aiding in muscle relaxation and recovery. The advantages of these therapies include reduced chronic pain, improved range of motion, accelerated recovery from injuries, and decreased muscle tension. Side effects are typically mild and temporary, such as slight bruising, tenderness, or minor bleeding at needle sites. Both treatments should be administered by trained professionals to ensure safety and maximise therapeutic benefits.

Dry Needling involves using tiny needles to stimulate the sensory nerves under the skin (not nearly as scary as it sounds, promise!) to relieve pain, aching muscles and everyday stress.

The treatment itself is performed lying down, and once you’re comfortable, anything from six to twenty needles will be gently inserted and then left for around 5 to 20 minutes. Most people feel little to no pain as the fine needles are placed; a lot of the time, you'll feel a prick often followed by a tingling feeling. Post-treatment, patients report that they feel deeply relaxed and super chill.

At Baliga Clinic we offer Cupping and Medical Acupuncture along with massage therapies. If you have chronic pain then you book a combination of massage and Medical Acupuncture or Cupping.

For prices and booking please click the ‘Book Now’ button and make a booking.

We look forward to seeing you soon!