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Cupping articles often list benefits and skip the cautions. Christine gives suitability the same attention, so you understand why cupping is or is not being suggested.

Headlines about cupping tend to dwell on soreness, tiredness and quick relief. What they rarely mention is who should be cautious, or who should avoid it altogether. That missing half of the story is just as important when you are deciding whether to try it.

Cautions are not fine print

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, who provides cupping in Lane Cove, gives the question of suitability as much attention as any potential benefit. Understanding why a technique might not suit you is part of an informed decision, not a footnote to skim past.

What to tell Christine

Please mention any of the following before cupping is planned:

• thin, fragile or easily damaged skin;
• a bleeding disorder or a tendency to bruise easily;
• blood-thinning medicines, steroids or supplements that affect clotting;
• pregnancy, varicose veins or areas of recent injury;
• previous reactions to cupping or similar treatments.

Adapting or choosing another path

Depending on what you share, Christine may suggest changing the method, using lighter suction, avoiding certain areas or choosing a different approach. A sound plan spells out what makes cupping relevant to you in particular. "Lots of people use it for this" is not, on its own, a reason.

Agreeing how to review

Pick one specific daily task or symptom to revisit when you come back. Afterwards, talk about comfort and how your skin settled as well. Cup marks are only part of the story; deciding whether to carry on should return to your original purpose, your response and the options available.

Questions are always welcome

If you are unsure whether something in your health history matters, mention it anyway. It is far easier to set aside an irrelevant detail than to discover an important one too late. Even a reaction to sticking plasters or a recent sunburn can be worth a mention. Christine takes the time in Lane Cove to go through these questions carefully, and she will explain her reasoning either way.