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Dry and wet cupping share a name but involve very different steps. Here is what separates them and what to ask before either is considered.

When someone says they have had cupping, they could be describing two quite different experiences. The labels dry and wet sound like minor variations, yet the gap between them is significant.

How the two methods differ

Dry cupping relies on suction alone and does not deliberately open the skin. Wet cupping goes further: the skin is punctured or cut, and blood is drawn into the cup. That additional step brings blood exposure and a separate set of safety considerations.

Questions for any skin-breaking technique

If a technique that breaks the skin is being discussed, you are entitled to clear answers about:

• how infection is controlled and equipment handled;
• your personal bleeding risk, including any blood-thinning medicines;
• what aftercare will be needed and for how long;
• which alternatives are available.

Never assume it is included

Check the exact procedure with Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, rather than assuming that any particular form comes with a cupping appointment. Because wet cupping involves extra steps, it needs its own explanation and consent. Having tried dry cupping before does not mean you already understand what the wet form involves.

Judging the outcome

Pick a reference point before the session starts: maybe bending to tie your shoes, or how your shoulders feel after a day at the keyboard. When you return, talk about that activity, how tolerable the cupping felt and how quickly any marks faded. Colour on the skin is a single clue at most. The choice to keep going rests on why you sought help, what you noticed and the alternatives you have.

Clear answers at Lane Cove

North Shore residents can discuss both forms of cupping at the Lane Cove clinic, where nothing is started until you understand the plan. If anything about a proposed method is unclear, ask Christine to go over it again, as many times as you need, before you agree. These notes are general and are not a recommendation for either technique.