5 go-to spots for cupping therapy in NYC

Ever since Michael Phelps showed up to the Olympics with perfectly circular bruises all over his body, cupping therapy has gone from being an under-the-radar wellness treatment to the sort of thing that seems to be available *everywhere.*

Although it’s only recently entered the mainstream spotlight, cupping therapy is an ancient healing practice that’s been used for thousands of years by Chinese and Egyptian civilizations. In its current and most well-known incarnation, cupping therapy is considered to be a treatment modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is believed by enthusiasts to alleviate a number of ailments and issues like migraines or as a recovery method after tough training sessions.

Using glass or plastic jars (most of the time) to create suction, the cups are placed on acupuncture pressure and trigger points. Through the use of negative pressure, muscle and tissue are contracted and released, which is thought to release toxins, alleviate inflammation, and increase circulation. And although the process will leave you with some peculiar looking polka dots on your body, the treatment and its aftermath are surprisingly painless.

Should you find yourself in New York City and in search of a cupping specialist, to help you out I’ve rounded up 5 spots where you can get your Olympian approved cupping fix.

1. Klara Brown, LAc

A multifaceted practitioner, Brown has a master’s degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine, is a New York State licensed acupuncturist, and a board-certified herbalist. Her expertise lies in women’s menstrual health and fertility with a holistic dietary and lifestyle approach.

122 West 26th St., Suite 1201, New York, NY 10001; (917) 768 4662

2. Yejee Acupuncture & Wellness

A wellness center on the Upper West Side, Yejee Acupuncture & Wellness is basically a one-stop shop for all of your alternative therapies. It offers two main types of cupping therapy: dry cupping and cupping massages, which are used as treatments for conditions including allergies, injuries, pain management, autoimmune issues, and more. And if you don’t see exactly what you need on its website, the center will create special off-menu treatment plans for you.

30 West 60th St., Suite 1S, New York, NY, 10023; (212) 582 2593

3. Thrive Acupuncture

Located in the Flatiron District of Manhattan (where many corporate and office buildings are located), Thrive Acupuncture offers the traditional cupping therapy, as well as yoga classes.

27 West 20th St., Suite 401, New York, NY 10011; (917) 686 9740

4. Manhattan Wellness Group

For its cupping therapy, Manhattan Wellness Group utilizes the well-known glass cups but also offers its cupping therapies using bamboo and earthenware materials, too.

133 East, 54th St., Suite 202B, New York, NY 10022; (212) 335 0447

5. Urban Wellness Clinic

The aim of the Urban Wellness Clinic is to expedite your healing process after an especially grueling spin class. Its approach emphasizes soothing and repairing long and short-term muscle damage or trauma.

57 W 57th St. Suite 1406, New York, NY 10019; (212) 355 0445

Keep yourself in pristine mental and physical health by finding a therapist for yourself in NYC and a holistic nutritionist to help you meet your wellness goals.