Cupping vs Massage: What Is the Difference and Which to Book

Written by the Auckland Wellness Centre acupuncture team, led by Dr Robin Won PhD and Dr Boram Kim PhD. Rosedale and Milford. Last updated: October 2026.

Quick answer: Cupping lifts the skin and muscle with suction cups. Massage presses and kneads the muscle with the hands. At Auckland Wellness Centre, cupping is done by CMCNZ-registered acupuncturists inside an acupuncture session, which ACC can cover for injuries. Massage is a separate private session. If you were injured, start with acupuncture. If you want general relaxation or muscle work without an injury, massage is the simpler choice.

How each one works

Cupping uses glass or silicone cups. Suction draws the skin and the tissue under it up into the cup, which usually stays on for 5 to 10 minutes. The cups can also be slid along the muscle.

Massage uses the hands, forearms and sometimes elbows to press, knead and stretch the muscle. The pressure goes down into the tissue rather than lifting it.

Who does it in New Zealand

At our clinic, cupping is done by acupuncturists registered with the Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand (CMCNZ), the regulator for acupuncture under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.

Massage therapists are not registered under that Act. Many belong to professional associations, and training varies from provider to provider.

What it feels like, and what it leaves behind

Cupping feels like a firm pull under each cup. It often leaves round marks that fade over several days. Massage feels like pressure, ranges from gentle to firm, and usually leaves no marks.

How ACC fits in

If you were injured, ACC covers acupuncture at AWC, and cupping is part of that ACC acupuncture session when your acupuncturist uses it, with no extra charge. One of our chiropractors lodges the claim at your first visit, so you do not need a GP referral.

Massage at AWC is a private service.

What it costs at AWC

Cupping has no separate fee. ACC acupuncture is no surcharge to $20 per visit depending on the practitioner. Private acupuncture is $80 for the first visit, then $40 for 30 minutes, $60 for 45 minutes or $70 for 60 minutes.

Massage is $60 for 30 minutes or $90 for 45 minutes.

Which one to book

Injured at work, at sport or in an accident: book ACC acupuncture. Your acupuncturist will add cupping if it suits.

Ongoing tightness that is not from an injury, and you are open to needles: book private acupuncture and mention cupping in the notes.

You want hands-on muscle work or relaxation and no needles: book a massage.

Still not sure: call us on 09 600 1939 and we will point you the right way.

Cupping at Auckland Wellness Centre

Dry and fire cupping at Rosedale and Milford, within your acupuncture session, open 7 days. See our cupping page for practitioners, aftercare and who should not have cupping.

Frequently asked questions

Is cupping better than massage? They do different things. Cupping lifts the tissue with suction and, at AWC, is part of an acupuncture session. Massage presses into the muscle with the hands. Which suits you depends on whether you were injured, whether you are comfortable with needles, and what you are after.

Does ACC cover cupping? At AWC, cupping is part of ACC acupuncture for injuries, with no extra charge. You do not need a GP referral.

Does ACC cover massage at AWC? No. Massage at AWC is private: $60 for 30 minutes or $90 for 45 minutes.

Can I have cupping and massage on the same day? Yes, as two separate appointments. Tell each practitioner about the other so they can plan around it.

Can I book cupping on its own? No. At AWC cupping is done within an acupuncture session. Book acupuncture and mention cupping in your booking notes.