Elective Course

Cupping

Cupping introduces students to safe, evidence-informed cup application for soft-tissue decompression. Students practice static and glide methods, dosing, and client communication while working within scope and contraindication guidelines.

8 Total Hours 2 lecture hours and 6 lab hours
Prerequisite Level I Foundational Courses plus a high school diploma or GED
Textbook No textbook required

What Students Build

Technique Development
Client Safety
Applied Learning
Professional Readiness

Overview

Course Description

A bodywork and techniques elective designed to support safe, informed, client-centered practice.

What You Learn

Course Overview

Students learn safe, evidence-informed cup application for soft-tissue decompression. The course emphasizes static and moving cupping, treatment dosing, client communication, and appropriate use within massage therapy scope.

  • Outcome 1 Explain indications, precautions, and contraindications for cupping applications.
  • Outcome 2 Demonstrate static and moving cupping safely with appropriate pressure and time.
  • Outcome 3 Integrate cupping into a session plan with clear client consent and aftercare.
This elective supports safe practice, applied learning, and professional communication within massage therapy scope.

Learning Outcomes

Course Outcomes

Students strengthen practical skills and professional decision-making through guided theory and hands-on learning.

By the End of This Course

  • Explain indications, precautions, and contraindications for cupping applications.
  • Demonstrate static and moving cupping safely with appropriate pressure and time.
  • Integrate cupping into a session plan with clear client consent and aftercare.

Hours Overview

Lab training makes up most of the course, supported by lecture-based safety and application principles.

Schedule

Course Structure and Resources

Course pacing blends lecture and lab practice to support both theory and applied skill development.

Instructional Time

Total instructional time is 8 hours, including 2 lecture hours and 6 lab hours. This structure supports theory, supervised practice, and skill integration.

A detailed schedule with dates, activities, policies, and assignment expectations is typically issued to enrolled students.

Evaluation

Grading Summary

Student progress is measured through coursework, labs, and final assessment activities.

Graded Items
Value
Skills Check
60%
Safety / Contraindications Quiz
20%
Participation
20%
Total
100%

Course Planning Note

Cupping supports safe soft-tissue decompression techniques, clinical reasoning, and advanced bodywork practice within the AFSM elective curriculum.

Note: Prerequisites include Level I Foundational Courses and a high school diploma or GED.