AcuTherapy Clinics offers traditional fire cupping and gua sha therapy at our Honolulu (Liliha) and Aiea (Pearl City) locations. These time-honored Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques are used alongside acupuncture and medical massage to relieve deep muscle tension, improve circulation, and accelerate recovery from pain and injury.
Cupping is a negative-pressure therapy in which glass cups are applied to the skin to create suction. This lifts connective tissue, draws stagnant blood to the surface, and floods the underlying muscles with fresh, oxygenated blood. Fire cupping — the traditional method using heated glass cups — is particularly effective for chronic muscle tightness, sports injuries, and pain related to auto accidents or workers’ compensation injuries.
Gua sha involves firm stroking of the skin with a smooth-edged tool to break up fascial adhesions, release heat, and stimulate the body’s natural healing response. It is commonly used for neck and shoulder tension, headaches, and upper respiratory conditions.
Cupping sessions typically last 20–30 minutes as part of a combined treatment. Circular marks left by cupping indicate areas of blood stagnation clearing and typically fade within 3–7 days. Most patients report significant muscle relaxation and reduced pain immediately following treatment.
Workers’ Compensation, Auto Accident PIP (Hawaii No-Fault), Veterans Community Care, UHA, HMAA, Medicare Supplement, AARP, Humana, and AshLink accepted.
Liliha hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Aiea hours: Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday closed