Chinese Medicine Clinic Services

Fire Cupping in Greenville, SC

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

Fire cupping is the classical Chinese technique of creating therapeutic suction using glass cups and a flame — the oldest and most traditional form of cupping therapy. At Integrative Health Partners, Dr. Hendry uses fire cupping as part of comprehensive Chinese medicine treatments for musculoskeletal pain, detoxification, and systemic stagnation patterns. The dramatic visuals of fire cupping belie its simplicity and safety when performed by a properly trained practitioner.

How Fire Cupping Works

A cotton ball soaked in alcohol is briefly lit and inserted into a glass cup to consume oxygen, creating a vacuum. The cup is immediately placed on the skin at the therapeutic site, drawing tissue upward into the cup. 5–8 cups may be placed at once for back treatment. Retained for 5–15 minutes, then removed by pressing the skin at the cup edge to break the seal.

Your First Appointment

Fire cupping is typically integrated into an acupuncture session. Wear or bring a top that allows easy back access. Inform Dr. Hendry of any skin conditions, bleeding disorders, or anticoagulant medications.

Why Dr. Hendry for Fire Cupping

Dr. Hendry's traditional Chinese medicine training includes fire cupping as a core clinical technique, preserving the classical application in a modern clinical context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, when performed by a trained practitioner. There is no risk of burning with proper technique. The flame is used only inside the cup to create vacuum, not near the skin.
Traditional glass cups are smooth, non-reactive, and allow visual monitoring of the skin response. Modern practitioners also use silicone and plastic cups, but glass fire cups remain popular for their therapeutic quality and traditional aesthetic.
No. Cupping marks (ecchymosis) fade completely within 3–10 days. They are superficial extravasation of blood drawn to the surface, not true bruises from impact.
A strong pulling or drawing sensation on the skin — not painful for most patients. Sliding cupping (cups moved over oiled skin) produces a deeper massaging sensation.
Yes — classical Chinese medicine uses back cupping over the lung zones for bronchitis, chronic cough, and upper respiratory conditions. The suction mobilizes lung congestion and stimulates immune response.
Integrative Health Partners, 319 Wade Hampton Blvd, Ste A, Greenville, SC 29609. Call (864) 365-6156.

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