Cupping Massager Safety Guide: Read This Before Your First Session

Before your first session, check three things: whether you should skip cupping altogether, which parts of the body to avoid, and how to set the device up gently. 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. Start low and keep sessions short.

Who should skip it

• Anyone who is pregnant.
• Anyone with a pacemaker or another implanted device.
• Children.
• Anyone with a health condition or taking blood thinners, unless their GP has said it is fine.

If you are unsure whether you fit one of these, ask your GP first. It is a short question and a good habit with any new device.

Where not to use it

• The face.
• The front of the neck.
• Near the heart.
• Broken or irritated skin.
• Moles.
• Varicose veins.
• Sunburnt skin.

The back, shoulders, arms and legs are where most people use a cup. The small cup suits the back of the neck and the arms. Keep it off the front of the throat.

Setting up gently

1. Start on a low level and low warmth.
2. Try one area for 30 to 60 seconds first and see how it feels.
3. Go up a level at a time, only if you want to.
4. If something does not feel right, press the release button and stop.

Our step-by-step first session guide walks through this with settings by area.

Features that keep you in control

• Release button. Always press it before lifting the device. Never pull the cup off.
• 20-minute auto shut-off. The device stops itself if you forget.
• 12 levels. Small steps make it easy to stay gentle.
• Remote control. Lets you adjust without twisting.

These are built into the RHYTIA massager, and we think they are the minimum for any suction device you use at home. If you are comparing models, our buying guide has a checklist.

Marks, timing and skin

Light pink or reddish round marks can appear where the cup sat. They are a normal skin response to suction and usually fade on their own within a few days. If you want them lighter, lower the suction and keep the cup moving. More in cupping marks explained.

• Give the same spot a day or two before cupping it again.
• In gliding mode use oil or moisturised skin and keep moving.
• Wait about 45 minutes before a shower.

Looking after the device

• Twist the cup off anticlockwise.
• Wipe with a soft dry cloth. No alcohol or harsh cleaners.
• Never wet the main body.
• A small cotton filter keeps oil out. Check it and clean or replace it monthly.

The care guide has the full routine.

When to stop

Stop and press release if you feel anything other than comfortable, if the skin looks irritated, or if you simply do not enjoy it. A massager is meant to be pleasant. There is no prize for going stronger.

Before every session

• Check the cup is clean and the cotton filter is not clogged with oil.
• Check the skin: no cuts, sunburn, rashes or fresh shaving nicks.
• Sit or lie somewhere stable. Do not use it standing in the shower or in a bath.
• Keep the remote within reach so you can adjust or stop at any time.

Charging and storage

• Charge with the USB-C cable that came in the box, or a reputable one.
• Do not use it while it is charging.
• Keep it dry. Never wet the main body.
• Store it in the travel pouch away from heat and out of reach of children.

Using it on someone else

Plenty of people use the remote to let a partner or friend help with the back. That is fine as long as the person on the receiving end can say stop at any time and you keep the level low to begin with. The same exclusions apply to them.

For first-time buyers and gift givers

If you are buying one for a parent or a friend, pass on this page along with the device. The quick-start guide in the box covers the basics, and our gift guide for parents has a few more thoughts on making it easy to pick up.

Show them the release button first. It is the one habit worth building: press it, then lift. Everything else follows from starting low and going slowly.

Common questions

Is a cupping massager safe to use at home?

Used as the manual describes, on suitable skin and on low settings, most people find it comfortable. Check with your GP first if any of the groups above applies to you.

Can I use a cupping massager while pregnant?

No. We recommend skipping it while pregnant.

Can I use it on my face?

No. Keep it off the face and the front of the neck.

Can I fall asleep with it on?

Do not. Stay awake while the cup is on. The device shuts off after 20 minutes, but the point is to be present and able to press release.

What should I do if the cup feels too strong?

Press the release button, lift the cup off and start again on a lower level.

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.