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Wet cupping is a separate procedure from dry cupping and needs its own conversation. Use this list to make sure the risks and alternatives are clear first.

More than a standard cupping session

Wet cupping combines small skin punctures with suction, which makes it a different procedure from the dry cupping many people have seen at sports clubs or on social media. Because the skin is broken, it carries additional considerations that deserve a careful, separate conversation.

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, discusses cupping options at the Lane Cove clinic, and any skin-breaking technique should be explained in full before you agree to it.

Topics to cover before agreeing

• Whether the technique suits your health history and skin.
• How bleeding is managed and which infection precautions are used.
• What recovery usually involves and how to look after the area at home.
• Which alternatives exist, including choosing not to go ahead.

Medicines and skin healing

Blood-thinning medicines, supplements that affect bleeding, diabetes, slow wound healing or a history of skin infection should all be mentioned early, ideally before any plan is set. If your GP or specialist manages one of these conditions, it may be sensible to check with them as well.

Consent is specific

Saying yes to acupuncture or dry cupping does not mean you have agreed to wet cupping. Each procedure needs its own explanation and its own decision, and you can change your mind at any point, including on the day.

Deciding what to review

Choose one everyday activity or symptom you would like to talk about at the follow-up visit. Afterwards, include comfort and how the skin has healed. The marks themselves are only a small part of the picture; whether to continue depends on your original goal, how you responded and the other options open to you.

Talking it through first

If wet cupping has been suggested to you elsewhere, or you have read about it, book a discussion at the Lane Cove clinic before any procedure is scheduled. Christine can set out the steps and risks in plain language so the decision stays firmly with you.