What’s the Difference Between Cupping and Moxibustion? A Guide to Two Traditional Chinese Therapies

At E Healthcare Clinic in Richmond Hill, we offer a wide range of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments to support your health naturally. Two of the most popular—and often misunderstood—are cupping therapy and moxibustion. While both are rooted in TCM and aim to restore balance and improve circulation, they work in very different ways.

In this blog, we’ll break down what each therapy does, how they’re used, and who can benefit most from them.

What Is Cupping?

Cupping therapy involves placing special cups—usually glass, silicone, or plastic—on the skin to create suction. This suction pulls the skin and muscle upward, helping to release stagnation, improve blood flow, and relieve tension in the body.

How It Works:

• The practitioner heats the inside of the cup or uses a vacuum pump to create suction

• Cups are placed on targeted areas, often the back or shoulders

• The cups remain on the skin for 5–15 minutes

• The suction causes temporary red or purple marks, which typically fade within a few days

Common Uses:

• Muscle tension and stiffness

• Chronic pain (e.g., back, neck, or shoulder pain)

• Sports recovery

• Detoxification and improving circulation

• Headaches and fatigue

• 
  

What Is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a warming therapy that involves burning a herb called mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points. The goal is to strengthen yang energy, dispel cold and dampness, and promote healing and circulation.

How It Works:

• The mugwort is shaped into sticks or cones and burned close to the skin

• It may be held over an acupuncture point or placed on top of a needle

• The heat penetrates deeply, warming the meridians and stimulating qi (energy) flow

• There is no direct skin contact with the flame, and it’s generally safe when applied by a trained practitioner

Common Uses:

• Cold hands and feet

• Fatigue and low energy

• Menstrual pain and irregular cycles

• Digestive issues like bloating or loose stools

• Preventative care during seasonal changes

Cupping vs. Moxibustion: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Cupping	Moxibustion
Main Action	Suction and muscle release	Heat therapy and yang tonification
Primary Purpose	Relieve tension and stagnation	Warm the body, support qi/yang
Tools Used	Cups (glass, silicone, plastic)	Dried mugwort (moxa)
Physical Sensation	Tight suction on the skin	Gentle warmth over acupuncture points
Visible After-Effects	Round red/purple marks	Usually none
Typical Use Cases	Pain relief, muscle tightness	Cold conditions, fatigue, digestion, immunity
Treatment Duration	5–15 minutes	10–30 minutes

Can They Be Used Together?

Yes. At E Healthcare Clinic, we often combine cupping and moxibustion as part of a personalized TCM treatment plan. For example, cupping may be used to release tension in the upper back, followed by moxibustion to warm the lower abdomen and boost internal energy.

When used together, they can complement each other and enhance overall effectiveness.

Which One Is Right for You?

It depends on your symptoms and body constitution. Here’s a general guide:

• Choose cupping if you’re dealing with:

  • Muscle tightness

  • Chronic pain

  • Tension headaches

  • Poor circulation

• Choose moxibustion if you experience:

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Menstrual pain or irregularity

  • Digestive issues

  • Low immunity or chronic fatigue

Our licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners at E Healthcare Clinic will assess your condition and recommend the best treatment for your needs.

Visit E Healthcare Clinic for Personalized TCM Care

Located in the heart of Richmond Hill, E Healthcare Clinic offers professional acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and herbal treatments in a calm, supportive environment. We proudly serve patients from Markham, North York, Toronto, and across the GTA.

Book your consultation today and discover which TCM therapies are right for you.

165 East Beaver Creek Rd, Unit 13-14, Richmond Hill, ON

(905) 597-5299

Book An Appointment