Overview

The art of cupping has evolved significantly over time, beginning with the use of hollowed animal horns to draw toxins from snakebites and skin infections. Over centuries, these early tools were replaced by bamboo cups, and eventually by glass. As cupping tools became more refined, so did its therapeutic applications, with each culture developing unique techniques and health benefits that contributed to cupping’s growth as a respected healthcare practice.

History

Chinese Origins

Early cupping methods involved hollowed-out animal horns with small holes to create a vacuum, drawing toxins to the skin’s surface. Initially used in surgery to divert blood flow, cupping eventually became a standalone therapy addressing various ailments. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cupping is believed to dispel stagnation of blood and “Chi” (life force energy), as well as external pathogens that attack a weakened “Wei Chi” (immune system). Chinese records dating back to 28 A.D. highlight the practice, with a traditional saying capturing its significance: “Acupuncture and Cupping … more than half the ills cured.”

Egyptian Influence

The Ebers Papyrus, a medical text from 1550 B.C., describes cupping for ailments such as fever, pain, vertigo, and digestive issues. Cupping spread from Egypt to Greece and then to many cultures across Europe and the Americas.

1800s – 1900s

Cupping remained widely practiced in Europe and America into the late 19th century, often as “wet cupping” involving bloodletting. However, the practice evolved into a bloodless technique called “dry cupping,” which was equally effective and became the subject of European medical studies.

1950s

A collaboration between Chinese and Russian researchers validated the clinical benefits of cupping, leading to its official adoption in Chinese hospitals.

1990s: ACE Foundation

ACE founder Anita J. Shannon discovered cupping therapy as part of her recovery from an accident, which led her to develop ACE Massage Cupping and MediCupping VacuTherapies. Combining ancient Chinese techniques with modern massage therapy, she created ACE VacuTherapies, bridging traditional and modern healthcare practices.

2001: Advancing Education

Anita J. Shannon founded Advanced Continuing Education, an NCBTMB CEU provider. Since 2002, she has led hundreds of workshops in the U.S. and abroad, published in leading industry magazines, and produced educational videos. In 2011, she was inducted into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame.

2015: Online Learning Platform

To expand cupping therapy’s reach, ACE launched ACE Institute Online, enabling over 20,000 students to explore the benefits of cupping therapy through accessible online courses.

2016: Global Awareness

Cupping therapy gained worldwide recognition when Olympic athlete Michael Phelps displayed cupping marks during his record-setting 2016 performance in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sparking global interest in the benefits of cupping for athletes.

2018: Expansion of ACE Online Courses and Advanced Certification Programs

Building on the momentum from the 2016 Olympic spotlight, ACE expanded its online course offerings to include advanced training modules and certification tracks. Practitioners now had access to structured, in-depth online courses that prepared them for both beginner and advanced levels of ACE Massage Cupping and MediCupping, making it easier than ever to earn NCBTMB CEUs from anywhere.

2020: Adaptation to Virtual Learning and Webinars

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, ACE adapted its educational model to accommodate more live webinars and virtual workshops. These sessions offered hands-on guidance and live feedback, allowing students to continue their education safely while maintaining ACE’s high standard of learning.

2022: Enhanced Course Offerings with Integrative Health Applications

ACE expanded its curriculum to include integrative health applications, merging cupping with other therapeutic practices like sports recovery and stretching. These specialized modules provide practitioners with targeted skills to meet the growing demand for comprehensive health and wellness services.

2025: Launch of Face Cupping Class

ACE launches its highly anticipated Face Cupping class, designed to meet the growing demand for facial wellness and aesthetic treatments. This course provides specialized training in facial cupping techniques that promote circulation, collagen production, and skin rejuvenation. With this addition, practitioners can now offer clients a complete, holistic approach to cupping therapy that includes both body and facial applications.