Cupping massage in Palo AltoA different way
to unwind.
Tight back. Tired shoulders. Stubborn tension.
Personalized dry cupping and hands-on massage at Avy Spa. A lifting sensation, thoughtful pressure and care shaped around you.
Choose a length to open cupping in Acuity.Prices per person · Massage + selected cupping
Temporary marks can happen. Before you book ↗
Hands-on massage + cupping.
Thoughtful pressure. A targeted lift. Your own way to unwind.
Hands-on massage
Press · Knead · Glide
Hands-on pressure and flowing strokes, adjusted to your body and preferred intensity.
Cupping
Suction · Lift
Adjustable suction creates a localized lifting sensation on selected areas, alongside your massage.
Your body. Your focus.Find your focus
Choose an area to explore. We’ll discuss the right combination when you arrive.Tap an area for details.
Neck & shoulders+Screen-time stiffness.Screen stiffness
We can combine hands-on neck work with cupping on suitable shoulder or upper-back muscle areas. Tell us about stiffness from screens or driving, and the pressure you prefer. Explore neck-focused massage
Upper & mid-back+Tight around the shoulder blades.Shoulder-blade tension
Ask for time around the broad muscles between and beside the shoulder blades. Cupping adds a lifting sensation while hands-on massage adds adjustable pressure. Explore back-focused massage
Lower back & waist+A tired back after sitting.After sitting
We focus on surrounding muscle tension, not the spine itself. Describe the areas that feel sore or restricted. Pain that travels down a leg, numbness or new weakness needs medical assessment before massage. See back massage options
Legs & calves+Tired from training or standing.After activity
Choose a leg-focused massage for everyday muscular tightness. Your therapist considers cupping only on suitable areas, according to skin condition and comfort. New one-sided swelling or a suspected injury should be assessed first. Find your massage
More focus areas · Arms, hips & head-related tensionMore areas: arms, hips & head
Arms & forearms+Overworked from typing or lifting.Typing or lifting
Ask us about arm-focused massage and whether cupping fits your needs. We adjust the work to the area and do not force suction over irritated skin or an injury. Explore deep tissue massage
Hips & glutes+Tension after a long day seated.Seated tension
Share your lower-body priorities before the session. Work on the hips or gluteal muscles is discussed first, with your consent and appropriate draping. Cupping is considered only where suitable. Explore lower-body options
Head-related tension+Focus on the connected neck muscles.Connected neck tension
For a heavy-feeling head alongside neck or shoulder tightness, ask about hands-on scalp, neck and shoulder massage. Cups are not placed on the head. We do not promise headache or migraine treatment; a sudden, severe or unusual headache needs medical care. Explore neck and shoulder care
Illustrations show areas to discuss, not exact cup placement. Skin condition, suitability and your consent guide every session.Focus areas, not exact cup placement. Suitability is checked first.
Your focus. Your comfort.Listen · Adjust · Personalize
Traditional technique.
Personal attention.
Your body isn’t a routine. Your session shouldn’t be one either. We listen first, then shape the focus, suction and pace around your comfort.
We discuss your priorities, check your skin and explain the plan.
Ask for lighter suction, a different area or a pause at any time.
We explain possible marks and how to care for sensitive skin.
A little focus. Or a fuller reset.Choose your time
For several areas or full-body tension, we recommend 90–120 minutes so nothing feels rushed.90–120 min recommended for several areas.
60 minutes
One main priority or two connected areas.
Book 60 minutes Book90 minutes
More time for connected areas and broader massage.
Book 90 minutes Book120 minutes
Several areas, a slower pace and room to settle in.
Book 120 minutes BookWhich length is right for me?
60 minutes: One main priority or two connected areas.
90 minutes: More time for connected areas and broader massage.
120 minutes: Several areas, a slower pace and room to settle in.
Each session includes hands-on massage with selected cupping, not continuous cupping for the entire appointment. Prices are per person. Optional extras and gratuity are additional.
Optional add-onsGua sha · Neck focus · Hot stone
Add a thoughtful finishing touch.
Choose available extras when booking. We’ll confirm what suits your skin and focus.
Controlled tool-assisted strokes on a suitable, separate area.
See how gua sha differsFocused hand pressure for a tight neck and upper shoulders.
Explore neck-focused careComforting warmth alongside massage, away from sensitive cupped skin.
Explore back-focused careCupping questions.
Clear answers.Cupping questions
From the first pulling sensation to marks, aftercare and choosing your time.
What is included in a cupping massage?What is included?
Your appointment combines hands-on massage with personalized dry cupping on selected muscle areas. Cups create suction against intact skin; they may stay in place or glide with oil when appropriate. Your therapist adjusts the focus, suction and massage pressure with you. Optional enhancements cost extra and fit within your booked time unless a time extension is separately selected.
How is cupping different from massage and gua sha?Cupping vs massage vs gua sha
Cupping lifts: suction creates a localized pulling sensation at the skin and nearby surface tissue. Massage presses: hands knead, glide and apply adjustable pressure. Gua sha glides: a smooth-edged tool makes controlled strokes over oiled skin. They feel different; one is not automatically better than another. Explore body gua sha Compare massage options
What benefits can I realistically expect?What benefits can I expect?
The aim at Avy Spa is relaxation and comfort in areas that feel tight or overworked. Some people find cupping helpful for short-term muscular discomfort, but results vary and relief may be temporary. Research on pain relief is limited. We do not promise instant results, a cure or a fixed recovery time. Read independent information from NCCIH.
Will cupping hurt? Can I choose lighter suction?Does it hurt? Can I go lighter?
You may notice a firm pulling sensation. It should remain tolerable, not something you have to endure. Ask for lighter suction, fewer cups, a different area or a pause at any time. Sharp pain, burning, numbness or dizziness means we should stop and reassess. Stronger suction and darker marks are not goals.
Marks, safety & more questionsAftercare · Session length · Booking
Will I have marks, and how long do they last?Marks & how long they last
Cupping can leave circular pink, red or purple marks. Their color and fading time vary; they may last several days or longer. Darker marks do not prove a better result or toxin removal. Lighter suction can still leave marks, so tell us about an upcoming event or a preference to avoid them. Standard massage may be a more suitable choice.
Should I choose 60, 90 or 120 minutes?Which session length?
60 minutes · $120: choose one main priority or two closely connected areas. 90 minutes · $170: our recommendation for several connected areas with room for broader massage. 120 minutes · $215: more time for full-body attention at an unhurried pace. These are total appointment lengths, not continuous cupping time. Cups are used only for the appropriate part of your session.
Who should check with a healthcare professional first?Who should check first?
Please check first if you are pregnant, take blood-thinning medication, have a bleeding or clotting condition, fragile skin, reduced sensation, recent surgery or another medical restriction. Avoid cupping over broken, infected, burned or actively irritated skin. Cupping is not risk-free. New severe pain, unexplained swelling, fever or new weakness or numbness needs medical assessment before massage.
More questions, before and after your visitCirculation · headaches · combinations · booking · parking
Does cupping improve blood circulation?
Small studies have measured temporary changes in local skin blood flow after suction. That is not evidence that cupping fixes poor circulation throughout the body or heals an injury faster. At Avy Spa, our focus is the bodywork experience and muscular comfort, not vascular treatment. Read the skin-blood-flow study.
Is the sensation like stretching a muscle?
It can feel stretch-like, but suction primarily lifts the skin and nearby surface tissue. It is different from stretching a joint or deliberately contracting and relaxing a muscle. We do not force a tight area. Pressure and suction are adjusted to your comfort rather than used to reach a particular muscle layer.
Can I choose my back, waist, legs, glutes or arms?
Yes, tell us which area needs attention. We plan the hands-on massage around those priorities and consider cupping only on suitable muscle areas. Skin condition, comfort and any health restrictions guide the plan. Hip and gluteal work requires discussion, consent and appropriate draping. The illustrations show focus areas, not exact cup-placement instructions.
Can cupping help with headaches?
When head tension comes with a tight neck or shoulders, you can request relaxing hands-on work around those areas. Cups are not placed on the head. Cupping is not an established headache or migraine treatment, and we do not guarantee relief. Seek medical care for a sudden, severe or unusual headache, particularly with weakness, visual changes or fever. Explore neck-focused massage
Can I combine cupping with body gua sha?
Body Gua Sha is an optional +$25 enhancement. We discuss whether it fits your skin and selected areas. Both techniques can leave marks, so we avoid scraping freshly cupped or irritated skin. They do not need to be used on the same spot, and combining them does not guarantee better results. Learn about body gua sha
Which other enhancements can I choose?
Available options include Hot Stone +$15, Back Walking +$15, Neck Acupressure +$15, Thai Stretching +$15, Essential Oil +$15, Lymphatic Drainage +$25 and IASTM Muscle Recovery +$25. Ask us about Chinese Herbal Oil +$15; it requires confirmation rather than assuming it is selectable online. Choose available extras in the booking form and review the final total. Your therapist confirms suitability.
Do add-ons give me extra appointment time?
Technique and oil enhancements fit inside the 60-, 90- or 120-minute session you book. Their price does not automatically add minutes. Only a separately selected time extension adds time. For several areas or techniques, choose a longer session rather than trying to fit everything into 60 minutes. Optional extras and gratuity are additional.
What should I do after cupping?
Keep the area clean and treat sensitive skin gently. Avoid strong heat, aggressive rubbing or additional scraping over tender marks until the area settles. Drink normally for comfort; excessive water is not needed to “flush toxins.” Contact a healthcare professional for blistering, worsening pain, spreading redness or other signs of infection.
How often should I book cupping?
There is no single schedule that suits everyone. Give tender or marked skin time to settle before repeating work on that area. We can discuss a different focus or standard massage for your next appointment. More frequent sessions, more cups or stronger suction are not automatically better.
How should I prepare for my first visit?
Arrive a few minutes early to discuss your focus areas, preferred pressure, skin sensitivities, medications and any relevant restrictions. Tell us about recent injuries or procedures. You can ask questions, request a change or stop the session at any time. We explain the plan and keep unworked areas appropriately draped.
Do I need an appointment? What are your hours?
Yes. Avy Spa is by appointment only; we do not accept walk-ins. We are open daily, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM. Please book online or call before visiting. See availability
How do I reschedule?
Use the rescheduling link in your booking confirmation email, or call (650) 855-2833. If the email link is unavailable, please contact us for help.
Can couples share a room or use separate rooms?
Couples can request our private couples room or separate rooms. Tell us your room preference and whether one or both guests would like cupping so we can confirm the arrangement, timing and suitable services. Explore couples massage
Do you accept credit cards, Apple Pay or insurance?
We accept credit cards and Apple Pay. We do not accept or bill health insurance. A standard service invoice can be provided on request, but we cannot guarantee insurance reimbursement.
Do you have a sauna or showers?
No. Avy Spa focuses on massage services and does not have sauna or shower facilities.
Where are you located, and where do I park?
Avy Spa is at 3783 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306. Free parking behind the building. After parking, please walk around to the main entrance on El Camino Real. Call or text (650) 855-2833 if you need help.
Independent background: NCCIH’s cupping overview. Linked for general information, not endorsement of Avy Spa.
Your day asks a lot.
Make this moment yours.Make a little time for you.
A little time, focused attention and a massage that adapts to you.
Cupping and massage support relaxation and muscle comfort. They do not diagnose or treat medical conditions. Results vary.