Animal Cupping: Ancient Therapy for Modern Animal Wellness

Cupping therapy, an ancient healing technique dating back thousands of years, has made its way into the world of animal bodywork — and the results are incredible. While traditionally used on humans, cupping is now gaining popularity for horses, dogs, and other animals as a powerful tool for restoring balance, relieving tension, and enhancing overall wellness.

🌀 What Is Cupping?

Cupping involves placing special cups on the body to create suction. This suction gently lifts the skin and underlying fascia, stimulating blood flow, encouraging lymphatic drainage, and releasing restrictions in the soft tissues. It's widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and integrative bodywork practices for its ability to “unstick” areas of tension and stagnation.

In animal applications, soft silicone cups are most commonly used for safety and comfort. These cups can be:

• Glided along the body (dynamic cupping)

• Placed and left still for a short period (static cupping)

Both methods work to create a therapeutic response that’s gentle yet deeply effective.

🐾 Benefits of Cupping for Animals

Cupping offers a wide range of benefits for animals of all ages, breeds, and activity levels. Some of the most common benefits include:

✅ Improved Circulation

By bringing blood to the surface, cupping increases oxygenation and nutrient delivery to muscles and tissues — essential for recovery and performance.

✅ Fascial Release

Fascia can become restricted due to injury, overuse, or compensation. Cupping helps release these restrictions, improving range of motion and comfort.

✅ Reduced Muscle Tension and Soreness

Great for post-exercise care or animals recovering from physical stress, cupping helps break up adhesions and soothe tight muscles.

✅ Lymphatic Support

The suction helps move lymphatic fluid, supporting detoxification and reducing swelling or stagnation.

✅ Relaxation and Nervous System Balance

Cupping can have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it a great tool for anxious, stressed, or older animals needing extra support.

🐴 Who Can Benefit?

Cupping can be used on:

• Performance horses and working dogs to aid in recovery and maintain mobility

• Senior animals with stiffness, joint discomfort, or poor circulation

• Animals in rehab after injury or surgery

• Companion animals as part of a regular wellness routine

Always consult with a veterinarian or certified bodyworker to determine if cupping is appropriate for your animal.

🎓 Want to Learn How?

We now offer a certification course in Animal Cupping, designed to teach you how to apply this powerful therapy safely and effectively. Whether you’re a practitioner or a dedicated animal owner, this course equips you with the skills to support animals using this ancient yet modern modality.

Enroll in a free preview of our course