Chinese Medicine Clinic Services

Chinese Cupping in Greenville, SC

Chinese Cupping at IHP Greenville — authentic TCM, in-house herbal pharmacy. Dr. Hendry, DAOM, 25+ yrs experience. Call (864) 365-6156.

Chinese cupping — the traditional fire cupping technique of classical Chinese medicine — uses flame to exhaust oxygen inside glass cups, creating a vacuum that draws the skin and superficial fascia upward into the cup. At Integrative Health Partners, Dr. Hendry maintains the traditional fire cupping technique alongside modern plastic cups, selecting based on therapeutic goal and patient preference. Chinese cupping is an integral part of the clinical toolkit for musculoskeletal pain, respiratory conditions, and systemic toxin mobilization.

How Chinese Cupping Works

Fire cupping involves briefly inserting a flame into a glass cup to consume oxygen, then quickly placing the cup on the skin — the vacuum created draws tissue upward. Cups are retained for 5–15 minutes. Sliding cupping (applied over oiled skin) provides myofascial release along the back and shoulders. Wet cupping (controlled lancet scarification followed by cupping to draw blood) is used for severe blood stagnation in advanced cases.

Your First Appointment

Traditional fire cupping is typically added to an acupuncture session. Inform Dr. Hendry of anticoagulant medications, active skin conditions at cup sites, and any prior cupping experiences (some patients have strong vasovagal responses initially).

Why Dr. Hendry for Chinese Cupping

Dr. Hendry's training in traditional Chinese cupping techniques is integrated into his broader clinical practice, where cupping is selected purposefully for specific therapeutic goals rather than used indiscriminately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fire cupping uses the traditional flame method to create suction in glass cups, producing a slightly different suction quality than pump cups. The therapeutic effects are comparable; the choice depends on the cup material, the therapeutic goal, and patient preference.
No. The flame is only briefly inside the cup to exhaust oxygen, then the cup is immediately placed on the skin. When performed correctly, there is no heat exposure to the skin.
Acute conditions: 3–6 sessions. Chronic conditions: 8–12 sessions. Many patients find cupping deeply satisfying and request it regularly as a maintenance therapy.
Yes — this is one of the most common treatment combinations. Acupuncture addresses deeper systemic and neural patterns while cupping provides superficial myofascial release and increases local circulation.
Drink extra water, avoid cold air and baths on the treated areas for 4–6 hours, and avoid alcohol. Mild post-treatment fatigue is common and resolves with rest.
Integrative Health Partners, 319 Wade Hampton Blvd, Ste A, Greenville, SC 29609. Call (864) 365-6156.

Related Chinese Medicine Clinic Services