Cupper FAQ

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy is an ancient, natural therapeutic method widely used for pain relief, muscle tension release, and improving overall well-being. During the treatment, the therapist places special cups on various points of the body – such as the back, abdomen, arms, or legs.

A vacuum is created in the cups, gently lifting the skin, stimulating blood circulation, and aiding the body's natural regenerative processes.

Cupping therapy originates from traditional Chinese and West Asian medicine and has been used for thousands of years. It remains a popular method in modern wellness and therapeutic treatments today.

Cupping therapy is also known as vacuum therapy or suction cup treatment.

What problems does it address?

- Joint diseases, such as arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis)

- Back, neck, knee, and shoulder pain

- Asthma and other respiratory difficulties

- Carpal tunnel syndrome

- Digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

- Headaches and migraines

- High blood pressure (hypertension)

- The goal of the treatment is to support the body's natural self-healing processes, reduce tension, and improve overall well-being.

How effective is cupping therapy?

Professional opinions on the effectiveness of cupping therapy vary, and the available scientific evidence is mixed. Experts believe that positive effects may arise from a combination of factors rather than a single mechanism of action.

Based on experience, cupping therapy can contribute to improving well-being in the following ways, among others:

- Promotes physical relaxation

- May increase pain tolerance

- May reduce inflammatory processes

- May improve blood circulation

- May support the body's natural detoxification processes

- May contribute to lowering cholesterol levels (LDL)

- May help prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis

- May stimulate red blood cell production

- May activate the peripheral nervous system

Most healthcare professionals recommend cupping therapy as a complementary therapy. This means that the method can be used alongside traditional Western medicine to support it, rather than as a standalone treatment.

Can cupping replace medical treatment?

No. Cupping therapy can be used as a complementary therapy that may help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.

Important to know:

- It does not replace specialist medical diagnosis or treatment.

- Always consult a doctor for chronic illnesses, injuries, or serious health problems.

- The best results from cupping therapy are achieved when used in combination with other traditional treatments.

Why is Smart Cupper “smart”?

The Smart Cupper is not a simple manual cupping device, but an intelligent vacuum, massage, and red light therapy device in one. It automatically senses the skin and initiates treatment functions, thereby more effectively improving blood circulation and regeneration. The device can be controlled via an application, allowing digital adjustment of vacuum intensity and treatment duration.

What effect does red light have in this case?

It helps reduce pain and inflammation, supports the healing of skin and muscle tissue, and promotes overall relaxation. Red Light wavelength: 630–670 nm

How Does It Work?

During treatment, the vacuum created by the cup draws fluid and blood to the treated area. This suction force expands the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) beneath the skin, increasing local blood circulation.

The body then supplies the area with fresh, oxygen-rich blood, supporting cellular regeneration and the body's natural healing processes. As a result, many people report reduced tension, pain relief, and an overall improvement in well-being.

Cupping therapy is also often described as a method that may help support the body's natural detoxification processes.

What Types of Cupping Therapy Are There?

Dry Cupping:
The therapist creates a vacuum inside the cup. Traditional methods use heat, while modern techniques typically use a special suction device or pump. The resulting vacuum gently lifts the skin and stimulates local blood circulation. No oils or other substances are used. The cup remains stationary on the targeted area throughout the treatment.

Moving (Gliding) Cupping:
This is a variation of dry cupping. Before treatment, oil or cream is applied to the skin, and the cups are slowly moved across the affected area. It is particularly popular for relieving muscle tension and tissue adhesions.

Wet Cupping:
In this method, the therapist makes very small, superficial punctures in the skin before applying the cups. The vacuum then draws out a small amount of blood. Some traditional practices associate this technique with the body's natural cleansing processes. It is not suitable for everyone and is not used in all situations. Wet cupping is prohibited in Hungary.

How Often Should You Have Cupping Therapy?

In general, treatment is recommended no more than twice per week.

• For health-related purposes (such as pain relief or chronic discomfort), one session per week is often sufficient.
• For skincare or wellness purposes, regular treatment is usually not necessary and can be used whenever your skin or overall well-being would benefit from it.

For the best results, always adjust treatment frequency to your personal needs and follow your therapist's recommendations.

Can You Perform Cupping Therapy on Yourself at Home?

Self-cupping is possible, but due to the nature of the treatment, it is always recommended to consult a qualified professional, such as a sports physician or certified therapist. Assistance from a partner may also be helpful, especially for areas that are difficult to reach on your own.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Results vary from person to person. Many users experience relief after the first session, but connective tissue release and long-term benefits typically develop over multiple treatments.

Can It Be Used Over Clothing?

Cupping therapy is most effective when applied directly to the skin, as this provides the strongest suction effect.

Can It Be Combined with Other Therapy Tools?

Yes, it can be combined with massage guns, kinesiology tape, and other recovery tools.

How Long Does a Treatment Session Last?

A treatment session typically lasts between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and the suction intensity. Shorter sessions are ideal for smaller areas, while longer sessions are suitable for larger muscle groups, always according to your therapist's recommendation.

Which Body Areas Can Be Treated with Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy can be used on a wide range of body areas, especially:

• Back, neck, and shoulders
• Arms and legs
• Other muscular and connective tissue areas

It can generally be used wherever muscle tension, tissue adhesions, or circulation issues need to be addressed.

How Should Beginners Adjust the Intensity?

Beginners should always start with the lowest suction setting and gradually increase the intensity as the skin and muscles adapt to the treatment.

Tips for Safe Use:

• Monitor your skin's sensitivity. If the treatment feels too intense or painful, reduce the suction level.
• Start with shorter sessions (5–7 minutes) and increase the duration gradually if well tolerated.
• Do not leave the cup in one spot for too long to avoid excessive redness or discomfort.

How Can the Vacuum Strength Be Adjusted?

You can choose from multiple intensity levels in the app, allowing you to customize the treatment to your preferences.

Which App Does It Work With?

The Smart Cupper is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, allowing you to control vacuum intensity and treatment duration through the mobile app.

How Does the Control Interface Work?

The device automatically activates the vacuum and, upon detecting skin contact, starts vibration massage and red light therapy. The control button allows you to manage its operation.

Can It Be Used Before and After Exercise?

Yes! The cupping device can be beneficial both before and after workouts:

• Before exercise: It may help activate muscles, improve circulation, and prepare the body for physical activity.
• After exercise: It can support recovery, reduce muscle tension, and promote faster regeneration.

In both cases, pay attention to treatment intensity and duration to ensure a comfortable and effective therapy experience.

What are the contraindications?

Below are conditions where the potential risks may outweigh the benefits. Therefore, we advise you to consult a healthcare professional before using the device.

- Rashes, open wounds, blisters, local tissue inflammation, infections, bruises, or tumors

- Skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis

- Bone fracture or myositis ossificans

- Osteomyelitis

- Severe scoliosis or spinal deformity

- Hypertension (uncontrolled)

- Vascular/arterial and circulatory diseases, including blood clots, phlebitis, thrombosis (DVT), and varicose veins

- Previous embolism

- Acute or severe heart, liver, or kidney disease

- Severe peripheral neuropathy or other sensory impairment

- Bleeding disorders

- Connective tissue disorders

- Medications that thin the blood

- Use on surgical sites

- Do not use on the face, head, throat, neck, or genitals

- Pacemaker or ICD

- Do not use in the presence of unexplained pain

Do cupping marks remain after cupping?

Yes, in most cases, the vacuum created during cupping causes small capillaries under the skin to break. As a result, red, circular marks may appear on the treated area.

It is important to know that these marks:

- usually fade gradually within 1-2 weeks,

- are not actual bruises,

- and do not involve muscle damage.

The cupping marks are a natural part of the treatment, and in many cases, indicate increased blood circulation in the area. Most clients report feeling lighter and more relaxed after the treatment, despite the marks.

Is cupping painful?

Cupping is generally not painful. During the treatment, you may experience at most a slight skin tension or suction sensation, which is due to the vacuum effect. The first 3 minutes tend to be more critical, then the body gradually gets used to it. After the treatment, slight sensitivity or muscle soreness may occur, but severe pain or discomfort is not typical. Most clients report feeling more relieved and relaxed after cupping. If anything is uncomfortable, the therapist can immediately adjust the intensity during the treatment, making cupping a safe and well-tolerated experience.

Are there risks or side effects of cupping?

Cupping is generally considered a low-risk treatment, especially when performed by a trained professional. Nevertheless, as with all therapies, mild, temporary side effects can occur.

These may include:

- Circular skin marks or bruising

- Feeling tired

- Headaches

- Muscle tension or soreness

- Nausea

- Skin irritation, itching, rarely skin infection or scarring

When should I consult a doctor after cupping?

Serious problems are rare after cupping, but it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following symptoms:

- Burns

- Unusual severe pain or persistent sensitivity

- Fever, or signs of skin infection, such as: increasing redness, painful sensitivity, yellowish discharge

These symptoms are not considered a normal part of the treatment, so timely investigation is important. If you are unsure, it is better to seek advice from a professional – safety always comes first.

What should I do if I experience a problem during use?

If you experience pain, burning sensation, dizziness, or skin irritation, stop the treatment immediately, turn off the device, remove it from the skin, and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.

What safety conditions might the product have?

1. Always read the entire guide before use – this is not a simple massager, but a vacuum therapy device.

2. Never use on open wounds, inflamed, or infected skin, as this may exacerbate the condition.

3. Avoid use over blisters, rashes, or cancerous lesions until these have been examined by a healthcare professional.

4. Do not apply the device to the front of the head, throat, genitals, or directly on the neck.

5. Persons with pacemakers or implanted ICDs are prohibited from use without medical authorization.

6. Do not use in cases of uncontrolled high blood pressure, thrombosis, or severe circulatory disorders – consult your doctor beforehand.

7. Avoid sudden movements or strenuous exercise during treatment, as the device's cups may dislodge.

8. If your skin is sweaty or wet, dry the surface before use to prevent the device from slipping.

9. Children or pets should not touch the device during operation.

10. Do not look directly into the red light source, as it may irritate the eyes.

11. Do not bring the device near water during use, as it is not waterproof, and this could lead to electrical failure.

12. Regularly check that the cups and components are intact, and never use if you see cracks or defects.

13. Avoid treating a single area for too long – take a break if you have treated a muscle for 10–15 minutes.

14. Do not use if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or severe pain; stop immediately.

15. Charge the device with a stable voltage outlet and do not use with a degraded or damaged battery.

16. Do not leave the controller or USB charger powered near water or liquids.

17. Do not use after alcohol consumption or on anesthetized skin, as you will not feel the treatment properly.

18. If using on a vertical or unstable surface, ensure the device does not fall, as this could lead to injury.

19. Do not use if the skin is slippery due to moisture or oil, as the cups may lose vacuum.

20. This device is for regeneration and massage therapy – it is not a substitute for medical treatment or diagnosis.

Is the device cleanable?

Yes, the cupping heads are washable, and the device body can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

How should the cupping device be stored long-term?

For long lifespan and hygiene, the following should be considered:

- Store the device in a clean and dry place after every use.

- Do not expose it to direct sunlight or hot, humid environments, as this can damage the plastic.

- Do not let the cups touch each other or stack them to maintain their shape.

- If you don't use it for an extended period, or at the end of daily use, it's advisable to store it in the carrying case provided by Movtech. This way, the device can be used safely and hygienically for a long time.

How to charge the device?

1. Connect the Type-C cable to the adapter, then the other end to the charging port of the device. Adapter specification: 5V, 2A.
2. Ensure that the Type-C port is clean and dry during charging.
3. Charging time: approximately 3 hours. The exact time may vary depending on environmental factors. Do not charge the device for more than 8 hours.
4. Indicator light usage: The LED is red during charging. After a full charge, the LED turns green.
5. Attention: The device cannot be used while charging. Low battery indication: if the battery is too low, the device will automatically shut down after 10 warning beeps.