Cupping Therapy in London W2

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping has been practised for centuries in many parts of the world, including China, the Middle East and Europe. Cups made of glass, silicone or plastic are placed on the skin and air is removed from them, so the skin and the tissue just beneath are drawn gently upward into the cup.

There are two broad styles. In static cupping, cups stay in one spot for a few minutes. In moving cupping, the skin is first oiled and the cups are slid along it. The style used depends on the area and on what you are comfortable with.

Facial cupping in London: a lighter touch

Facial cupping is quite different from body cupping. It uses small, soft silicone cups and very light suction, and the cups are kept moving over oiled skin rather than left in place. Because they move constantly, facial cupping is not intended to leave the round marks associated with back cupping, although some temporary redness is normal.

People often book it as a calming add-on to their skin care. At £25 it is one of the simplest appointments on our menu, and some clients pair it with a facial treatment such as our Mini Facial on the same visit.

Back and full body cupping

Back cupping uses larger cups and stronger suction, usually across the upper and lower back and shoulders. Full body cupping extends this to areas such as the legs and arms. Suction levels are adjusted as you go, and you can ask for lighter pressure at any time.

Many people describe the sensation as a firm pulling or tightness rather than pain. Cupping is something people choose for themselves as part of how they like to relax. We do not present it as a treatment for any medical condition, and anyone with ongoing pain or an injury should see their GP or a physiotherapist.

Who cupping therapy may not suit

Most healthy adults can have cupping, but a few things mean we may adjust the treatment or advise against it. Please mention all of these at your consultation:

• Pregnancy, particularly for back, abdominal or full body cupping
• Bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medication
• Broken skin, sunburn, active eczema or an infection in the area
• Varicose veins, recent surgery or a recent injury where the cups would go
• Very fragile skin, recent facial injectables or recent skin procedures, for facial cupping

What happens at your cupping appointment

Appointments are booked as 40 minutes. For back or full body sessions, you will be given privacy to undress to the level you are comfortable with and covered with towels.

1. Quick health check: you answer some questions about your health, medicines and skin.
2. Choosing the style: we agree the area, the type of cupping and how strong you would like the suction.
3. Preparation: the skin is cleaned and a light oil is applied where cups will be moved.
4. Cupping: cups are applied and either left in place for a few minutes or glided across the skin, with regular check-ins on comfort.
5. Finishing: cups are removed, excess oil is wiped away and you are given simple aftercare advice.

Marks, aftercare and possible side effects

Static back and body cupping often leaves round, dark pink to purple marks where the cups sat. They are caused by the suction drawing blood towards the surface, are usually not painful and typically fade over several days to around two weeks. If you have an event or a holiday coming up where your back will be on show, plan around it.

For the rest of the day, keep the area warm, avoid very hot baths, saunas and strong sun on the treated skin, and drink water as normal. Possible side effects will be discussed with you:

• Round marks or bruising on the body, lasting days to a couple of weeks
• Temporary redness or sensitivity on the face after facial cupping
• Mild tenderness or a feeling of tightness in the area
• Rarely, light-headedness, blistering or skin irritation from the oil

Cupping therapy prices at ZARA

Our prices are simple and per session: Cupping (face) is £25, Cupping (back) is £50 and Cupping (full body) is £70. Your final plan and price are confirmed at consultation.

There is no fixed course. Some people come once out of curiosity, others return when it suits them. You can see how cupping sits alongside our other wellness options, such as IV vitamin drips, on our treatments page.

Easy to reach from Notting Hill, Lisson Grove and Marylebone

ZARA is at 304 Edgware Road, about 50 metres from Edgware Road (Bakerloo line) station. The Circle and District line from Notting Hill Gate runs to Edgware Road station on Chapel Street, which is a two to three minute walk from our door.

People living around Church Street in Lisson Grove can walk over in a few minutes, and Marylebone station is about a third of a mile away. We are open Monday to Saturday from 10:30am to 8pm, and Sundays and bank holidays from 1pm to 5pm, which suits a weekend cupping session.