In Australia you are most likely to meet cupping in three places: a massage studio, a registered Chinese medicine practitioner's rooms, or a small device you buy online and use at home. Chinese medicine practitioners here have been registered under a national scheme since 1 July 2012, and the products you buy are covered by the Australian Consumer Law.
How Australia noticed
For many Australians the first sighting was on TV. During the Rio Olympics in August 2016, ABC News ran an explainer called "Cupping: What were the marks on Michael Phelps' back?" on 9 August. It described the glass or plastic cups, the heat or pump used to make suction, and the circular marks that follow. The wider story of how the 2016 marks became a talking point is in cupping in the USA.
The same ABC article quoted Waveny Holland, then vice president of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association. She said cupping is up to the practitioner and that she was taught to avoid leaving marks, using a sliding technique similar to massage.
Where Australians come across cupping
- Massage studios and day spas. Some list cupping as an add-on. If you book one, ask what the cups are made of, how they are cleaned and how long they stay on.
- Chinese medicine practitioners. Some include cupping in their sessions.
- Sport on TV. Rio 2016 put cupping marks in front of Australian viewers.
- At home. Plug-in and cordless devices do the job without a flame.
Registered practitioners
Chinese medicine practitioners joined the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme on 1 July 2012. The Chinese Medicine Board of Australia registers them and sets registration standards. Ahpra, the national agency, supports the Board and publishes a register anyone can search to check a practitioner's registration and any conditions on it.
The ABC article reported that the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association said practitioners need at least a four-year bachelor degree and must complete professional development every year to stay registered. If you are booking in with a practitioner, checking the register takes a minute and is worth doing. This is a separate world from a home massager, which is a general relaxation device and not something a practitioner prescribes.
A home device, bought locally
A lot of Australians now bring the idea home. A smart cupping massager like the RHYTIA massager is cordless and USB-C rechargeable, with 12 suction levels, adjustable warmth and two modes: rhythmic cupping that you rest in one place, and continuous gliding with body oil. It comes with three cups, a remote and a travel pouch, and it fits in a handbag or carry-on.
RHYTIA is a registered Australian brand, and orders ship from our Melbourne warehouse with free shipping Australia-wide. Delivery usually takes 3 to 7 business days, and there is a 14-day refund.
Try it at home
Shipped from Melbourne with free delivery across Australia. If it is not for you, the 14-day refund applies.
Shop the RHYTIA massagerWhat to check when you buy in Australia
Whatever you buy, a few points are worth knowing. The table below uses Consumer Protection WA's summary of the Australian Consumer Law.
| Question | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Is it sold and shipped from Australia? | Local stock usually means faster delivery and an Australian business to deal with if something goes wrong. |
| Does it match its description? | Consumer guarantees say goods must be of acceptable quality, match their description and be fit for purpose. |
| What if it has a major fault? | You can choose a refund or a replacement. Refunds must be for the full amount and made by the original payment method. |
| What about a minor fault? | The business can offer a free fix first, or a replacement or refund instead. |
| Can the seller say "no refunds"? | No. A "no refunds" policy cannot remove your rights under the law. |
| What if I just change my mind? | The law does not require a refund for that. A store's own return policy, such as a 14-day refund, is extra. |
Keep your receipt or order email as proof of purchase. You do not need the original packaging to claim a refund for a faulty product.
If you are comparing options, how to choose a cupping massager is a plain checklist for Australian buyers. If you are buying for someone else, see gift ideas for parents.
You can read more on the product page.
Before your first session
Start low on suction and try one area for 30 to 60 seconds. Avoid the face, the front of the neck, near the heart, broken or irritated skin, moles, varicose veins and sunburn. If you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or another implanted device, have a health condition or take blood thinners, check with your GP before using a cupping massager. The safety guide has the full list.
Common questions
Do Chinese medicine practitioners need to be registered in Australia?
Yes. Since 1 July 2012 they have been registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, which Ahpra supports. Home devices are sold as consumer products and are covered by the Australian Consumer Law.
How do I check a practitioner is registered?
Search the national register of practitioners on the Ahpra website. It shows whether someone is registered and any conditions on their registration.
Can I return a cupping massager if I change my mind?
The Australian Consumer Law does not oblige a seller to refund a change of mind, but many stores offer their own policy. RHYTIA has a 14-day refund.
What if the device is faulty?
For a major fault you can choose a refund or a replacement. For a minor fault the seller may offer a free fix first.
Where is RHYTIA shipped from?
Our Melbourne warehouse. Delivery is free Australia-wide and usually takes 3 to 7 business days.
Further reading
- ABC News: Cupping, what were the marks on Michael Phelps' back? (9 August 2016)
- Chinese Medicine Board of Australia: Overview of the National Scheme
- Consumer Protection WA: Returns and refunds
- Science Museum blog: Olympic rings (11 August 2016)
RHYTIA is a massager for general relaxation and comfort. It is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition.