Cupping contraindications

The following are risk factors and contraindications that make it either difficult or impossible for us to offer cupping as a service to you. Look below to see if there are any conditions that apply to you before booking your appointment, and understand that even if we can take you in for the session, we may not be able to work on every area of your body. Skin to Soul reserves the right to decline or modify services based on reported medical history for the safety of all parties, so please make sure to inform us about your medical history prior to your scheduled appointment.

Global contraindications

We cannot offer you cupping if you are affected by…

  • Compromised organ system (Cardiovascular disease, heart failure, kidney disease or renal failure, liver disease, etc.)
  • Current or high risk of: Blood clots, Active, DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), Aneurysm, Embolism, Stroke, or Seizure
  • Bleeding disorders: Clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, or actively taking blood thinners and/or anticoagulants
  • Severe or acute edema
  • Uncontrolled asthma
  • Cancer patients (requires physician clearance letter)

Time-based Global Contraindications we can eventually revisit:

  • DVT risk from recent air travel (within 2 weeks)
  • Pregnancy, and up to 3 months postpartum
  • During acute/flare up of inflammatory conditions (72 hours symptom free): Fibromyalgia, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, IBS/IBD, Crohn’s Disease, Lyme’s Disease, Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Recent asthma attack (within the last 24 hours)
  • Actively taking a course of antibiotics
  • History of: Stroke, Embolism, Aneurysm, DVT, Blood clot, Seizure (may require physician clearance letter)

Global Contraindications that may be subject to therapist discretion:

  • History of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) or Heart Catheterization
  • Hypotension (clinically low blood pressure)
  • Hypertension
  • History of Coronary Bypass Surgery
  • On an active aspirin regimen

Regional Contraindications

Cupping will be avoided in the area of the following contraindications:

  • Lymphedema
  • Lymph node biopsy
  • Lymph node removal
  • Skin rash or irritation (ex: Psoriasis, Eczema, Poison Ivy)
  • Post-surgery - cannot work on surgical areas until scars are well healed (6+ months)
  • Varicose veins or spider veins

Local Contraindications

Cupping work should not occur over certain areas due to:

  • Recent cuts or burns (ex: sunburns, kitchen cuts/burns)
  • Healing scars
  • Skin tags and large moles
  • Benign lipomas
  • Injection sites (ex: vaccinations or insulin)
  • Ports or medical implants (ex: birth control, insulin ports, pacemakers or defibrillators)
  • Medication patches and topical medications

Required Clearance Letter from your Physician

  • Current/Recent cancer treatment (within the last 2 years)
  • Acute Hypotension
  • History of: Aneurysm, Blood Clot, Embolism, DVT