Summary of Hot Cupping Experience
- Introduction to Hot Cupping: A unique wellness treatment found in Yangshuo, China.
- Procedure Overview: Description of the treatment received from Dr. Lilly Li.
- Post-Treatment Impressions: Reflections on the effectiveness and the experience of having bruises.
If the idea of having 30 big round bruises on your back for about a week sounds like fun to you, make sure to try hot cupping while in Yangshuo, China.
For some unknown reason hot cupping sounded like fun to Dave and me.
After a week of cycling and climbing in China not to mention a couple of weeks of hard adventure travel in Fiji, we thought that a relaxing session of hot cupping would be an excellent way to work out the kinks from travel.
Hot Cupping – Yangshuo, China
Recommended by the Lonely Planet and our Intrepid Travel guide, we arranged a session with Dr. Lilly Li.
For Y40, we were whisked into the massage room and immediately told to get on the table.
Dr. Li told Dave that it was fine to take photographs because she would be giving us two separate sessions, so he stayed to document it all for you to see. (We have no shame, anything for the content!)
I am glad that I went first because if I had to watch it happen, I probably would have chickened out.
About the Hot Cup Massage in China
Within seconds she popped the hot cups onto my back. As she attached them to my skin, I felt a constrictive sensation.
My muscles started to tighten up, and I wondered if I would start to panic.
As I breathed through it and talked about how it felt, I began to relax and actually enjoy the sensation.
Once the final cup was placed, you have 10 minutes to relax and let them work their magic.
I started to feel very calm and enjoyed the squeezing of my muscles as the tension melted away.
The cups came off with a sting, almost like having a band-aid ripped off in one swift motion, and before I knew it, my session was over.
Hot Cupping Originated in China
It may be unpleasant, but when in China, one must sample everything.
Once the pain subsided, I felt completely relaxed, and my back was very loose.
Dave, however, had to go next, and he had just finished watching the whole process.
To witness the process, hot cupping appears painful, and he was a bit freaked out.
Dave’s Turn
As she placed the hot cups onto his back, I had the opportunity to see exactly what I had gone through. I had no idea what it looked like.
Dr. Li uses traditional bamboo hot cups and lights each one with fire before applying them to our backs.
Most people in the West now use glass cups and typically use far fewer cups.
Dave commented on the tightening sensation he experienced.
I remembered my session (because talking made me feel better) as the squeeze began to make me feel panicky.
The pressure of the hot cups can create a claustrophobic feeling. Nevertheless, it quickly subsides as you focus on your breath.
Check out our video of Hot Cupping and Decide if you want to give it a try
It was quite a sight to see the 20 or so cups piled onto his back.
It took Dave a bit longer to relax than it did for me, and I think it was because he had just witnessed my session.
What you don’t know won’t hurt you, and I had no clue about the ordeal I was experiencing.
As our cups came off, we both had deeper and darker bruises around our shoulder areas.
The cups draw out toxins from the body and muscles, and we were likely darker around our shoulders because of carrying our packs consistently.
Karen, our Intrepid guide, looked at our marks and laughed at how bruised we were. “You are obviously more toxic than others and carry a lot more tension,” she remarked. She had never seen bruises so severe.
About Hot Cup Therapy
A person can undergo two sessions of hot cupping per month.
It is not advisable to do more as it can stretch your skin, and there is no need to detoxify excessively.
We are quite toxic, so I believe we will be scheduling another Hot Cupping session during our time in China.
What’s the Verdict on Hot Cupping?
While we found it unusual and a bit stressful during the procedure, we felt fantastic afterwards.
However, we were left with bruises on our back for two weeks while exploring China in the heat.
I think that if we participate in it more frequently, we won’t bruise as badly, and fewer cups will be used. If there are a few slight bruises, it won’t be so embarrassing.
Overall, we give Hot Cupping a thumbs up, and when in China, be sure to give it a try!
Hot Cupping in Yangshuo Fast Facts
Dr. Lilly Li is located on the canal near the Chinese Food Bazaar. Look for the Lonely Planet Sign out front.
Costs are:
Hot Cupping Y40
Therapeutic Massage Y80 (50 minutes)
Foot Reflexology Y90 (1 Hour)
1 CAD = Y6.8
1 USD = Y7
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