Cupping Therapy

• Describe the history and fundamental theories of cupping therapy.
• Explain basic traditional Chinese medicine concepts related to cupping.
• Identify different types of cupping therapy and commonly used equipment.
• Describe various methods and applications of cupping therapy.
• Identify appropriate treatment approaches for common conditions.
• Explain potential benefits and effects associated with cupping therapy.
• Identify contraindications, precautions, and safety considerations.
• Describe basic cupping techniques demonstrated through course materials and online instruction.

• Text: Traditional Chinese Medicine Cupping Therapy, 3rd Edition, by Ilkay Zihni Chirali, 321 pages
• Online access to cupping technique demonstrations and images
• Course instruction guide
• 112-question multiple-choice final exam
• Course evaluation
• Certificate of Achievement upon completion
• Unlimited phone support for course-related questions

The Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education, LLC is an Approved Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Approved Provider number 409296-00.

Our massage online continuing education courses are also accepted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and most state boards.

For more information on individual state requirements and approvals, please visit our Approvals page and click on your state.

This was the most interesting continuing education course I have ever taken. Learning all the benefits of cupping therapy has enlightened my mind to the healing mechanisms of the human body. - Linda Z.

I hugely enjoyed this course! I found that the material was presented with enthusiasm and clarity which can sometimes be lost when a great deal of information needs to be imparted. I'm very excited to start my cupping practice now! - Natasha Pereira

I liked how there was no time limit on the exam, and I was able to continue taking the exam on my time. Having three kids it's hard to find time to take an exam with a time limit. Thank you, Audrey Estes

I appreciated how thorough the course was, and how the textbook is organized- very easy to use. While I may not use much of the TCM information right now in my practice, I may come back to it some day! - M. Dulanski

I liked everything about the course. - Kari Mantini, LMT

Textbook was easy to read and understand. - T. Brown, LMT

Contained very valuable information on cupping therapy. - J. LaFleur, LMT

I liked having the hard copy available to us while taking the course, as well as for future reference! - Diane Imsande, CMT

All of the following are types of cupping equipment EXCEPT:
A.    Electromagnetic cups
B.    Screw-top cups
C.    Pistol-handle valve cups
D.    Gel cups

Cupping therapy is contraindicated for all the following conditions EXCEPT:
A.    Open wound
B.    Inflamed or infected tissue
C.    Over a fracture
D.    To a grade I muscle or ligament sprain

How should the skin of the client/patient appear inside the cup when Weak (Light) cupping is being used?
A.    The client’s/patient’s skin should be pulled well into the cup and slightly red
B.    The amount of flesh drawn into the cup should be minimal and hardly raised
C.    The client’s/patient’s skin should be pulled well into the cup and will turn purple after a moment
D.    The amount of flesh drawn into the cup should be moderate with no reddening