Professional Dry & Korean Cupping Therapy Course

This section provides a foundational understanding of the human body to support safe and effective cupping practice. Students will explore key muscles, joints, and body systems involved in pain and healing. The section also covers common pathologies treated with cupping, helping learners recognise when and where to apply techniques appropriately.

This section covers the structure and function of the skeletal system with a focus on practical application in cupping therapy. Students will learn key bony landmarks, joint locations, and areas to avoid when placing cups. This knowledge supports safe and effective treatment, proper cup placement, and enhanced client outcomes.

This section explores the major bones of the skull, spine, and other key areas relevant to cupping therapy. Students will learn how to identify spinal landmarks and bone structures to ensure accurate cup placement, avoid sensitive areas, and support safe, effective treatments for back pain, tension, and posture-related issues.

This section introduces the major muscles involved in cupping treatments, focusing on muscle groups commonly affected by tension and pain. Students will learn how muscle anatomy influences cupping placement and technique, enabling them to target tight or sore muscles effectively for relief and improved mobility.

This section covers the key components of the circulatory system,

This section focuses on the structure and function of the skin as it relates to cupping therapy. Students will learn how the skin responds to suction, how to identify safe and sensitive areas, and how to observe skin changes during and after treatment to ensure safety, comfort, and effective results.

This section introduces the endocrine system and its role in hormonal balance, metabolism, and stress response. Students will learn how cupping may support endocrine health indirectly by improving circulation, reducing stress, and enhancing relaxation, which can positively influence hormonal function over time.

This section explains the structure and function of the lymphatic system, focusing on its role in detoxification and immune support. Students will learn how cupping can help stimulate lymph flow, reduce fluid retention, and support the body's natural cleansing processes through proper technique and placement.

In this final section, students are congratulated on completing the course and gaining foundational skills in Dry and Korean Cupping Therapy. They’ll receive guidance on how to begin practising safely, build confidence with real clients, and explore further learning or certification opportunities to grow their therapy practice.

Client Consultation & Safety in Korean Cupping Therapy

What Will Students Learn in This Section?

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Conduct thorough client consultations for Korean cupping

• Identify total, medical, and local contraindications

• Adapt treatment plans based on the client’s occupation and lifestyle

• Set up a safe, professional, and reassuring treatment environment

Lecture Content (Revised for Practical Teaching)

Assalamu Alaikum, and welcome back to the Korean Cupping Therapy Course. In this lesson, we’ll cover one of the most important aspects of treatment: client consultation and clinical safety.

Before any cupping treatment, it is essential to understand the client’s health background, lifestyle, and concerns. This ensures we deliver safe and targeted care.

Step-by-Step Consultation Breakdown

1. Symptom Assessment

Start by asking clear, respectful questions:

• What symptoms are they experiencing?

• How long have they had this issue?

• Is it related to work or a specific injury?

Example: If someone works long hours as a delivery driver, they’re likely to have lower back and hip tension. Ask them about their sitting habits and driving hours.

2. Check for Contraindications

Cupping is not suitable for everyone. Contraindications fall into three categories:

• Total Contraindications – No treatment allowed
  e.g., severe heart disease, active cancer, recent surgery

• Medical Contraindications – GP approval required
  e.g., pregnancy, diabetes, epilepsy, blood thinners

• Local Contraindications – Avoid certain areas
  e.g., skin wounds, bruises, varicose veins

Always document findings on the consultation form.

3. Treatment Environment

Your space should feel clean, private, and relaxing. Whether in a clinic or mobile setup:

• Explain the procedure to your client

• Get verbal and written consent

• Answer any concerns they may have

• Give them confidence in your skill and their safety

Client trust is essential. A good therapist informs and involves their client.

4. Keep Records & Get Feedback

• Store client notes securely

• Use them for follow-ups and improvements

• Ask clients how they felt after the treatment

Example: One of my regular clients, a chef, had recurring upper back tension. After 3 dry cupping sessions and simple posture advice, his pain reduced, and his focus improved at work. Feedback like this helps grow your practice professionally.

Lower Back Pain Treatment Protocol in Cupping Therapy

What Will Students Learn in This Section?

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Apply safe and hygienic cupping protocols to the lower back area

• Identify proper cup placement while avoiding the spine

• Engage the client in locating pain areas for precise treatment

• Use appropriate hygiene and aftercare practices

Lecture Content (Revised for Practical Teaching)

Welcome back to the Korean Cupping Therapy Course.
In this section, we will explore practical steps for treating lower back pain using cupping therapy.

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints clients bring. Our job is to use the right technique and positioning to relieve tension and improve mobility—safely and effectively.

Step-by-Step Protocol

1. Client Communication

Begin by asking the client to point out exactly where their pain is. This helps with:

• Accurate cup placement

• Tailoring treatment to individual needs

• Building trust through involvement

Example: A client who sits for long hours at a desk may have deep muscular tightness across L4-L5. Ask them where the discomfort feels strongest—center, left, or right side.

2. Hygiene & Skin Prep

Before applying cups:

• Clean the client’s lower back with an antiseptic wipe (e.g., Dettol)

• Apply a thin layer of oil or Vitamin E cream to moisturise the skin and reduce blister risk

Also ensure:

• Cups are sterilised between every client using approved detergents

• Your hands are clean, and gloves are used if needed

3. Cup Placement Technique

• Avoid placing cups directly on the spine

• Instead, place cups parallel to the spine, on the muscular areas (like erector spinae)

• Apply cups around the pain area, guided by the client’s input

• Leave the cups on for no more than 7 minutes

Important: After the first session, you can reapply cups slightly overlapping the initial placement for extended coverage—especially useful in wide pain zones.

4. Aftercare

• Remove cups gently and inspect the skin

• Ask how the client feels and record feedback

• Recommend hydration and rest after treatment

This ensures a safe, professional experience and enhances healing.

This section focuses on the safe and effective application of cupping therapy to the lower back. Students will learn how to identify key muscles and spinal landmarks in this area, understand common lower back issues such as muscle strain or stiffness, and apply static or glide cupping techniques to relieve pain and improve mobility.

In this section, students will build on the techniques learned in Part 1 by exploring advanced cupping methods for chronic lower back conditions. This includes addressing deeper muscle tension, combining cupping with movement or stretching, and adjusting cup placement for different body types and pain patterns to enhance therapeutic results.

Lateral Back Pain Treatment in Cupping Therapy

What Will Students Learn in This Section?

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify the latissimus dorsi as a key muscle in lateral thoracic pain

• Apply Korean cupping therapy effectively to the lateral back region

• Use patient feedback to guide cup placement

• Understand treatment plans for both acute and chronic lateral pain

Lecture Content (Rewritten for Teaching Format)

Welcome back to your Korean Cupping Therapy training.
In this section, we’ll explore how to treat lateral thoracic (side-back) pain, typically caused by muscle spasms, especially in the latissimus dorsi.

Key Steps in Treating Lateral Back Issues

1. Patient Positioning

• Place the client in a prone position (lying face down)

• This allows full access to the lateral muscles near the spine

2. Identifying the Muscle

• Focus on the latissimus dorsi, a large back muscle often involved in lateral pain

• Ask the client to point out the area of discomfort for precise cup placement

3. Cup Placement Technique

• Apply cups close to the spine but not directly over it

• Leave cups on for 7 minutes

Tip: Always check with the client to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free during application

4. Post-Cupping Care

• After removing the cups, check for any skin irritation

• If needed, gently massage the dark (bruised) areas to improve circulation

• Apply lubricant or Vitamin E cream to soothe the skin

5. Reapplication for Chronic Cases

• You may reapply cups, slightly overlapping the previous placement, for a second round of 7 minutes

• Acute cases often improve in 1 session

• Chronic conditions may require up to 6 sessions

This section introduces the anatomy and common causes of lateral back pain, focusing on muscles such as the latissimus dorsi and surrounding soft tissues. Students will learn how to assess this type of pain and apply foundational cupping techniques designed to relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation on the sides of the back. Practical guidance on cup placement and safety considerations will also be covered.

This section builds on Part 1 by exploring advanced cupping techniques for managing persistent or chronic lateral back pain. Students will learn how to combine cupping with stretching and movement, adjust cup placement for different client needs, and address deeper muscle layers to enhance pain relief and restore function. Safety and aftercare best practices will also be emphasised.

What Will Students Learn in This Section?

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand the causes of hip and sciatica pain

• Apply Korean cupping therapy to relieve sciatic pain symptoms

• Position the client correctly for effective treatment

• Use static and massage cupping methods for optimal relief

Lecture Content (Rewritten for Teaching Format)

Welcome back to your Korean Cupping Therapy course.
In this section, we’ll explore how to treat hip and sciatica-related pain, which often results from spinal compression or gluteal muscle spasms.

Understanding the Condition

• Sciatic pain is nerve-related and may radiate from the lower back to the glutes and down the leg

• Korean cupping can offer transient relief and even complete healing over time if applied correctly

Client Positioning

• Place the client in a lateral recumbent position (lying on the side)

• The upper leg should be bent over the extended lower leg

• This position exposes the gluteal region and lower back, allowing better access for cup placement

Cup Application Protocol

• Identify the area of radiating pain, especially near the gluteal muscles

• Apply cups close to the affected area

• Leave cups on for 7 minutes

• After removal, overlap the cups slightly and reapply for another 7 minutes

Optional: Cupping Massage

• Use lubrication (e.g., oil or cream)

• Gently move the cups along the gluteal region to stimulate deeper circulation and release muscle tension

• Cupping massage is highly effective for chronic sciatica pain

Next Steps

• Watch the following demonstration video for a visual guide to cup placement and technique

• Apply what you've learned in your practice

This section covers the anatomy and common causes of hip pain relevant to cupping therapy. Students will learn how to identify key muscles and areas around the hip, understand typical pain patterns, and apply basic cupping techniques to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and support hip mobility safely and effectively.

This section builds on the foundational techniques from Part 1, focusing on advanced cupping methods for persistent hip pain. Students will learn how to target deeper muscles and connective tissues, combine cupping with movement therapies, and tailor treatments to individual client needs for enhanced pain relief and improved hip function.

Frozen Shoulder Relief with Korean Cupping Therapy

What Will Students Learn in This Section?

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify the muscular causes of frozen shoulder

• Apply Korean cupping to the anterior, posterior, and deltoid areas

• Prepare and position the client for effective shoulder treatment

• Use observation and client feedback to adapt treatment frequency

Lecture Content (Rewritten for Teaching Format)

Welcome back to the Korean Cupping Therapy course.
In this section, we’ll explore how to treat frozen shoulder, a common issue caused by tightness in the anterior and posterior shoulder muscles—particularly the deltoid.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder

• Often results from muscle stiffness, poor circulation, or joint inflammation

• Pain and restriction are usually centered around the deltoid region

• Cupping helps by releasing muscle tension, improving circulation, and stimulating healing

Client Positioning

• Place the client in a seated position, preferably on a therapy table

• This gives full access to the shoulder region and allows easy movement for assessment

Cup Application Protocol

1. Sanitise the area with an antiseptic (e.g., Dettol)

2. Apply massage oil or cream to improve skin glide and blood circulation

3. Select cups that fit the shoulder's round contour (larger or flexible silicone cups work well)

4. Apply the cups to the anterior, lateral, and posterior shoulder regions

5. Leave cups in place for 7 minutes

6. Remove and examine the skin colouration

7. Optionally perform cupping massage to stimulate deeper circulation and detoxification

Post-Treatment Advice

• Encourage the client to drink plenty of water

• Monitor how they feel after each session

• Mild cases may resolve in 2–4 sessions, while chronic cases might need more consistent follow-up

Next Steps

• Watch the demonstration in the following clip to see the proper technique and cup placement

• Take note of variations in approach based on client feedback and progress

This section introduces the condition of frozen shoulder, including its causes, symptoms, and stages. Students will learn the basics of how cupping therapy can support pain relief and improve shoulder mobility during the early phase. Key muscle groups and safe cup placement for initial treatment are covered.

This section builds on Part 1 by teaching advanced cupping techniques for managing frozen shoulder during the later stages. Students will learn how to address deeper muscle tension, promote tissue flexibility, and combine cupping with gentle movement to enhance recovery and restore shoulder function safely.

What Will Students Learn in This Section?

By the end of this section, students will:

• Understand the muscular causes of upper back pain

• Learn proper positioning and cupping techniques for upper back treatment

• Identify which cups are safe for the neck and upper thoracic areas

• Know how to evaluate the treatment area and recommend sessions based on client condition

Lecture Content (Rewritten for Teaching Format)

Welcome back to the Korean Cupping Therapy course.
In this section, we will focus on treating upper back pain, a common issue affecting athletes, drivers, and individuals with prolonged posture strain.

Common Causes of Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain often stems from overuse or poor posture and is especially common in:

• Athletes

• Office workers

• Drivers

• Manual laborers

Key muscles involved include:

• Trapezius

• Rhomboids

• Multifidus (thoracic region)

• Scapular stabilizers (e.g., subscapularis)

Client Preparation and Positioning

• Position the client lying face down on a therapy table (prone position)

• Locate the exact pain points by asking the client to indicate areas of discomfort

• Clean the area using an antiseptic

Cup Selection and Application

• Use standard Korean cups for the main back area

• Use soft silicone cups near the neck or sensitive zones to avoid excessive pressure

• Place cups on the identified pain regions

• Leave cups in place for 7 minutes

• Remove, observe skin colouration (darker shades = higher stagnation/toxicity)

• Lubricate the area with grapeseed oil or vitamin E, and perform cupping massage

• Reapply cups in overlapping areas for another 7 minutes to ensure full coverage

Post-Treatment Guidelines

• Ask the client about their pain history to determine the treatment frequency:

  • Chronic cases: 6 sessions spaced every 3–4 days

  • Recent or mild cases: 2–4 sessions may be sufficient

• Encourage hydration to support detoxification

Next Step:

Watch the next video clip to see the step-by-step demonstration of upper back cupping in action.

This section introduces the anatomy of the upper back, focusing on muscles commonly involved in pain and tension such as the trapezius and rhomboids. Students will learn basic cupping techniques to safely target these areas, helping to relieve discomfort and improve circulation during the initial treatment phase.

This section builds on Part 1 by teaching advanced cupping techniques for persistent or chronic upper back pain. Students will learn how to target deeper muscle layers, combine cupping with movement and stretching, and customise treatments to improve pain relief and restore function safely and effectively.

What Will Students Learn in This Section?

By the end of this section, students will:

• Understand how to treat neck pain safely using cupping therapy

• Learn the correct cup types and sizes for the sensitive neck area

• Practice proper preparation and application techniques

• Know how to evaluate skin response and adjust treatments accordingly

• Determine treatment plans based on acute vs. chronic neck issues

Lecture Script (Rewritten for Online Course)

Welcome back to your cupping therapy course.
In this lesson, we will focus on treating neck pain using a safe and practical Korean cupping protocol. The neck area is highly sensitive, particularly near the jugular veins and carotid arteries, so safety is key.

Key Points for Neck Cupping

1. Safety First

• Use silicone cups when working near:

  • Jugular veins

  • Carotid arteries

• Silicone cups apply gentler suction, making them safer for delicate regions

2. Cup Selection

• Use small Korean plastic cups on less sensitive parts of the neck

• Always check cup size before applying

• Consider investing in a 64-cup set to give you more flexibility during treatment

Step-by-Step Treatment Protocol

Step 1: Preparation

• Clean the neck area using antiseptic or Dettol

• Apply a moisturizing cream (vitamin E cream is recommended)

• Massage the area gently to increase circulation

Step 2: Application

• Place small Korean cups on appropriate neck muscles

• Use silicone cups near veins/arteries for reduced suction risk

• Leave cups on for 7 minutes

Step 3: Aftercare and Evaluation

• Remove cups and observe skin coloration

  • Darker marks = more stagnation or toxicity

• Perform cupping massage with oil to increase circulation and relax the area

Neck Pain Causes Treated

• Poor posture from screen use

• Driving for long hours

• Sleep-related tension

Treatment Plan

• Acute pain: 2 to 4 sessions

• Chronic pain: Up to 8 sessions, spaced 5–6 days apart

• Reassess client progress after each treatment

Next Step:

In the following video, we’ll show you how to apply neck cups in a live demo. Watch carefully and observe hand positions and safety precautions.

This section introduces the anatomy and common causes of upper neck pain and tension. Students will learn foundational cupping techniques focused on safe cup placement and effective treatment of muscles in the upper neck to reduce discomfort and improve flexibility.

This section builds on Part 1 by teaching advanced cupping techniques for persistent upper neck pain and stiffness. Students will learn how to target deeper muscles, combine cupping with movement, and tailor treatments to individual needs for enhanced relief and improved neck function.

Cupping Therapy for Respiratory Disorders: Flu, Cough, Asthma, and Breathlessness

What Will Students Learn in This Section?

By the end of this section, students will:

• Understand how to treat respiratory issues using cupping therapy

• Identify key cupping areas for the lungs and chest

• Learn flash cupping techniques to support mucus release

• Apply effective treatment plans for acute and chronic respiratory conditions

Lecture Script (Rewritten for Online Course)

Welcome back.
In this lesson, we’ll explore how to use cupping therapy to support clients suffering from respiratory disorders, including:

• Flu and cough

• Shortness of breath

• Asthma

• Congestion and mucus buildup

Cupping Areas for Respiratory Relief

• Upper back: Over the lung region

• Chest (pectorals): For front lung access

• Use caution and gentleness when cupping over the chest

Step-by-Step Treatment Protocol

1. Skin Preparation

• Lubricate with massage oil or Tiger Balm

  • Tiger Balm adds a therapeutic warming effect to help the lungs

• Massage gently to stimulate circulation

2. Flash Cupping Technique

• Flash cupping: Apply and remove cups repeatedly

  • Example: Place the cup, remove it, then repeat

  • Helps to loosen phlegm in lungs and trachea

  • Effective for wet coughs, chest tightness, and congestion

3. Cupping Duration

• Treatment time: 5 to 15 minutes

• Combine back and chest cupping in one session if tolerated

• For chronic issues:

  • 3 to 4 consecutive sessions for mild issues

  • 10 to 15 sessions for long-term respiratory problems

4. Aftercare

• Encourage clients to drink plenty of water post-treatment

• This helps flush toxins and mucus from the system

Practical Notes

• Always observe your client’s comfort and breathing during chest cupping

• Flash cupping is ideal for clients who are sensitive to static cupping

• Can be combined with massage for extra lung stimulation

This section introduces the anatomy and function of the lungs relevant to cupping therapy. Students will learn how to apply cupping techniques safely to the chest and upper back to support lung health, improve respiratory function, and reduce congestion or discomfort.

This section builds on Part 1 by teaching advanced cupping techniques for persistent respiratory issues. Students will learn how to target deeper tissues, combine cupping with breathing exercises, and customise treatments to enhance lung function and support overall respiratory health safely and effectively.