From the TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) perspective, the trigger points represent stagnation of blood at a deeper musculoskeletal level. These points are usually located in the middle of a muscular structure. In addition to being sensitive when touching the area, trigger points can also be felt as a tight band or a “lump” not under the superficial layers of the skin, but in the deeper layers of the muscle structure, and sometimes close to the bone.

Persistent wrong posture when sitting or walking, carrying or lifting heavy loads, overwork, overuse of a particular muscle group and stressful lifestyle can all contribute to the formation of trigger points.

During the cupping application, a strong, negative pressure is created above the trigger point. This in turn results in the stagnant blood being stimulated to move towards the direction of the cup. The negative pressure will also force oxygen-rich blood to flow into the trigger point and release the muscular knot / lump. Sometimes it is difficult to erase trigger points completely, these may require more frequent application of cupping, which can be as often as three times a week.

Since trigger points are located in the deepest layers of muscle tissue, a strong cupping method is often required to be effective. Not all trigger points are suitable for cupping therapy because of their anatomical location. In these cases, other methods of releasing the trigger points should be used.