At Acuvia, located at 12 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, we bridge the gap between ancient therapeutic tradition and modern clinical recovery. Our Cupping Massage service is not just a relaxation treatment; it is a powerful myofascial decompression therapy designed for the high-performing professionals of the Melbourne CBD and the active community of Richmond.

Unlike traditional massage that uses downward pressure (compression), cupping massage utilizes negative pressure (suction) to lift the skin and muscle tissue. This unique mechanism allows our AHPRA-registered practitioners to address deep-seated tension that manual massage often struggles to reach. By integrating this with clinical acupuncture, we provide a comprehensive solution for chronic pain, sports injuries, and stress management.

How Cupping Massage Differs from Static Cupping

While static cupping involves placing cups on specific acupuncture points and leaving them for 10–15 minutes, Cupping Massage (often called Sliding Cupping) is a dynamic process. We apply high-quality therapeutic oils to the skin, allow the cup to create a secure vacuum, and then glide the cup along the muscle fibers and meridians of the back, neck, and limbs.

This movement mimics the rhythmic strokes of a deep tissue massage but with the added benefit of suction. This “pulling” action is exceptionally effective at breaking up fascial adhesions—the sticky, dense areas of connective tissue that cause that “tight” feeling in the shoulders after a long day at a desk in the MCG precinct.

What We Treat with Cupping Massage

Our East Melbourne clinic sees a wide variety of musculoskeletal and systemic conditions. Cupping massage is a versatile tool that we tailor to your specific physical needs:

Why Choose Acuvia at 12 Wellington Parade?

Choosing a practitioner for cupping massage requires a focus on clinical safety and professional registration. At Acuvia, your treatment is delivered by highly trained practitioners registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (AHPRA). This ensures that your session meets the highest national standards for hygiene and clinical efficacy.

We believe that healthcare should be accessible and stress-free. Our clinic is conveniently located near Jolimont Station, providing easy access for those commuting from Collingwood, Fitzroy, or the city. Furthermore, we offer instant HICAPS rebates for all major Australian health funds, including Medibank, Bupa, and HCF. You can claim your private health benefit on the spot, leaving you with only the gap to pay.

What to Expect During Your Session

During your initial consultation, we perform a thorough assessment of your physical health and medical history. If cupping massage is deemed appropriate, the session typically follows this clinical flow:

1. Preparation: Application of organic, hypoallergenic oils to facilitate the “sliding” motion.
2. Vacuum Application: We use glass or medical-grade silicone cups to create a vacuum tailored to your comfort level.
3. Dynamic Movement: The cups are moved rhythmically across muscle groups, targeting areas of stagnation and “knots.”
4. Integration: We may finish the session with static cupping on key acupuncture points to anchor the treatment’s effects.

We understand that many patients have questions about the “marks” left by cupping. It is important to know that these are not bruises; they are a sign of metabolic waste being drawn to the surface. Our practitioners will explain the “TCM diagnostic color” of your marks and provide specific aftercare instructions, such as keeping the area warm and hydrated as your body processes the treatment.