Professional certification in TCM Fire Cupping.

Traditional Chinese Medicine cupping therapy for trained professionals

A structured introduction to the principles, safety, and practical application of fire cupping within Traditional Chinese Medicine.

  • ✔CPD accreditation recognized internationally
  • ✔5 accredited CE/CPD hours + final assessment
  • ✔2.5 hours of HD video with Dr. Constance Bradley, L.Ac.
  • ✔Fully illustrated workbook + companion course + lesson quizzes
  • ✔100% online · lifetime access
🎓 CPD accredited 🔥 5 CE/CPD hours
5 accredited CE/CPD hours
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TCM Fire Cupping Certification
$127 USD $470 USD

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Official CPD certificate of completion 2.5 hours video + illustrated workbook Companion course + lesson quizzes Final assessment with individual feedback Lifetime access
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Inside the certification

Ancient technique. Modern professional application.

Fire cupping is one of the oldest therapeutic techniques in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with documented use spanning over two thousand years. By creating suction through the brief application of flame inside a glass cup, practitioners draw blood flow to the surface, release fascial adhesions, and stimulate meridian points along the body's energy channels.

Unlike modern silicone suction cups, traditional fire cupping requires a precise understanding of flame management, cup selection, placement timing, and — critically — safety protocols that protect both the practitioner and the client. This is not a technique that can be learned casually. It requires structured training, supervised demonstration, and a clear understanding of contraindications.

This certification, presented by Dr. Constance Bradley, L.Ac., and developed in collaboration with Niel Asher Education, brings that structured training to qualified professionals. Through 2.5 hours of detailed video instruction, a fully illustrated workbook, and step-by-step demonstrations, the course covers everything from TCM theory and meridian selection to the practical sequence of a fire cupping treatment.

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Step-by-step video demonstrations

Dr. Bradley demonstrates the complete fire cupping sequence on video: cup selection, flame technique, placement, timing, removal, and aftercare. Every step is shown at a pace you can follow and replicate in clinical practice.

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TCM theory and meridian application

Understand why cupping is used in TCM, how it affects the body according to traditional theory, and how treatment points and applications are selected based on meridian pathways and clinical presentation.

⚠️

Safety-first approach

Fire cupping involves open flame and suction on the body. This course places strong emphasis on equipment safety, contraindication awareness, burn prevention, treatment planning, and professional scope of practice.

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Illustrated workbook included

A fully illustrated course workbook accompanies the video instruction, providing detailed reference material for each technique, meridian chart, contraindication list, and treatment protocol covered in the program.

Who this certification is for

Professional training for those who work within TCM and bodywork

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Licensed acupuncturists

Acupuncturists and TCM practitioners who want to add fire cupping to their clinical toolkit with proper technique, safety protocols, and CE credit toward license renewal.

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Massage therapists and bodyworkers

Manual therapists who work within scope of practice for cupping and want structured, video-guided training in the traditional fire cupping method rather than silicone or vacuum alternatives.

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Physiotherapists and chiropractors

Rehabilitation professionals incorporating cupping into myofascial release, pain management, and recovery protocols who need a formal understanding of fire cupping technique and safety.

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TCM students and graduates

Students in acupuncture or TCM programs who want additional hands-on video instruction to supplement their practical training in cupping therapy.

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Integrative health professionals

Naturopaths, integrative medicine practitioners, and wellness professionals trained in complementary therapies who want to add fire cupping under proper professional guidance.

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Professionals seeking CE/CPD hours

Licensed practitioners in acupuncture, massage, or bodywork who need accredited continuing education hours from a recognized provider for license renewal.

Professional competencies

What you will be able to do upon completing the program

Clinical skills and knowledge developed through this certification.

Fire cupping technique

Perform the complete fire cupping sequence safely: cup selection, flame application, placement, suction management, timing, removal, and post-treatment care.

TCM diagnostic framework

Apply TCM theory to determine appropriate cupping points, meridian pathways, and treatment rationale based on the client's presentation and condition.

Safety and contraindications

Identify absolute and relative contraindications for fire cupping, implement burn prevention protocols, and maintain a safe treatment environment with proper equipment handling.

Treatment planning

Design a cupping treatment plan including cup size selection, placement duration, frequency of treatment, and integration with other TCM or manual therapy modalities.

Sliding and stationary methods

Differentiate between stationary and sliding cupping techniques, understand when each is indicated, and apply both methods with appropriate suction levels and treatment duration.

Professional scope and documentation

Understand scope of practice considerations for cupping therapy, maintain treatment documentation, and communicate effectively with clients about expected treatment outcomes and marks.

Program instructor

Dr. Constance Bradley

L.Ac., PhD · Nationally Board-Certified Acupuncturist · Clinical Educator

Dr. Constance Bradley is a nationally board-certified acupuncturist with extensive clinical experience in acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and integrative therapeutic practice. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, the University of Colorado, and the University of Utah, where she earned her PhD, Dr. Bradley also holds an MA in Acupuncture from the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture.

Drawing from her clinical practice and teaching experience, Dr. Bradley guides students through TCM fire cupping applications in a clear, practical, and professionally grounded way. Her approach combines traditional TCM knowledge with modern safety awareness, ensuring that students develop both the theoretical understanding and practical confidence needed for responsible clinical application.

In this program, she presents 2.5 hours of detailed video instruction covering the complete fire cupping method: from TCM theory and treatment point selection, through equipment preparation and flame management, to the step-by-step practical application sequence demonstrated on a real client.

In collaboration with

Niel Asher Education

Accredited British continuing education institution specializing in evidence-based education for manual therapists, acupuncturists, and rehabilitation professionals. Their programs are used in over 60 countries and recognized by professional accreditation bodies worldwide.

Developed in partnership with Niel Asher Education. Same production quality, same clinical rigor.

★★★★★

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CPD learning objectives

CPD Centre of Excellence

5 accredited CPD hours

Upon completing this program, the participant will be able to:

1

Explain the theoretical foundations of fire cupping within Traditional Chinese Medicine, including its role in promoting Qi and blood circulation and its relationship to meridian theory.

2

Demonstrate the complete fire cupping technique sequence: cup preparation, flame application, safe placement, suction management, timing, and proper removal.

3

Identify contraindications and precautions for fire cupping therapy, including conditions requiring medical clearance, skin integrity assessment, and appropriate treatment area selection.

4

Design a cupping treatment plan incorporating meridian point selection, cup size, placement duration, and integration with other TCM modalities for specific clinical presentations.

5

Apply professional scope of practice guidelines for cupping therapy, maintain appropriate treatment documentation, and educate clients on expected outcomes including post-treatment marks and aftercare.

This program meets the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) standards established by the CPD Standards Office of the United Kingdom and is recognized by employers, educational institutions, and regulatory bodies in over 40 countries.

Recognized by

Approved by 13 professional boards

Your CPD hours are recognized by the following organizations.

Australian Traditional Medicine Society
British Acupuncture Council
Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA)
Chinese Medicine Board of Australia
College of Acupuncturists of Alberta
College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia
College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario
Florida Board of Acupuncture
Georgia Composite Medical Board (Acupuncturists)
Hawaii Board of Acupuncture
Tennessee Board of Acupuncture
Washington Board of Acupuncture
CEU/CPD Self-Certification

TCM Fire Cupping Certificate

Your certification

Certification with professionally recognized CE/CPD hours

Upon completing the final assessment, you will receive an official certificate backed by CPD and IPHM, with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours valid in over 40 countries. The same standard used by institutions such as PESI, universities, and professional continuing education organizations.

  • ✓CPD hours recognized by employers and institutions in over 40 countries
  • ✓IPHM registration valid in wellness, holistic therapy, and education
  • ✓Rigorous final assessment of ethical reasoning and clinical competence
  • ✓Valid for presenting yourself as a certified professional to clients and employers
Enroll now

Curriculum

The full program,
module by module

▶ Program Video: Background and Introduction to Fire Cupping
📄 History and Origins of Cupping in TCM
📄 Fundamental Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine
📄 Qi, Blood, and Meridian Theory
📄 How Fire Cupping Works: TCM and Western Perspectives
📄 Glass Cups: Types, Sizes, and Selection
📄 Equipment Preparation and Workspace Setup
📄 Fire Safety Protocols
📄 Absolute and Relative Contraindications
📄 Skin Assessment and Client Screening
📄 Meridian Pathways and Cupping Points
📄 Common Treatment Areas and Indications
📄 Back Shu Points and Bladder Meridian Applications
📄 Treatment Planning and Session Design
▶ Program Video: Practical Application Demonstration
📄 Flame Technique and Cup Application
📄 Stationary Cupping Methods
📄 Sliding Cupping Techniques
📄 Suction Management and Timing
📄 Cup Removal and Aftercare
📄 Combining Cupping with Other TCM Modalities
📄 Documentation and Treatment Records
📄 Client Communication and Informed Consent
📄 Scope of Practice Considerations
📝 Online Examination

Accreditations

Who accredits your certificate?

Your certificate is backed by two international bodies recognized in professional development and holistic medicine.

CPD Standards Office

CPD Standards Office

Continuing Professional Development

International Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation body. Their CPD hours are recognized by employers, educational institutions, and regulatory bodies in over 40 countries. The same standard used by PESI, universities, and professional training organizations.

IPHM

IPHM

International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine

UK-based accreditation body for holistic and integrative medicine professionals. IPHM accreditation allows you to appear on the professional register and is valid for presenting to clients, employers, and integrative health institutions internationally.

Our graduates apply this training in physiotherapy, manual therapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, craniosacral, massage therapy, integrative health, and rehabilitation practices in 14 countries.

Immediate access

Everything you need,
from day one

  • ✔Study at your own pace, no deadlines or pressure
  • ✔39 complete lessons from Dr. Constance Bradley included
  • ✔Two hours of high-definition video with Dr. Constance Bradley
  • ✔Works on phone, tablet, and computer
  • ✔No prior experience required
  • ✔Email support with response within 24 hours
  • ✔All future course updates included
Enroll now
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Student reviews

What our students say

Read all reviews on Trustpilot →
★★★★★

"I had been doing cupping with silicone cups for years but never felt confident with fire cupping. Dr. Bradley's demonstrations are incredibly clear. The safety protocols alone were worth the entire course. I now offer fire cupping in my clinic with full confidence."

JH
Jennifer H.
Licensed Acupuncturist, Portland, OR
★★★★★

"As a TCM practitioner, the meridian-based treatment planning section was excellent. The illustrated workbook is something I reference regularly in clinic. Well-structured, professional, and practical."

RM
Rachel M.
TCM Practitioner, Sydney, Australia
★★★★★

"The step-by-step video format made all the difference. Being able to see the flame technique, cup placement, and timing at actual speed helped me understand what I had only read about before. The safety section is thorough."

DK
David K.
Massage Therapist, London, UK
★★★★★

"I needed CE hours for my acupuncture license renewal in Florida and this course delivered exactly what I needed. The content is clinically relevant, the video quality is excellent, and the certificate was issued promptly after the exam."

ML
Maria L.
Licensed Acupuncturist, Miami, FL
★★★★☆

"Good foundational course for anyone wanting to add fire cupping to their practice. The contraindications section is comprehensive and the treatment planning module gave me a practical framework I use daily. Would have liked more case studies."

TW
Thomas W.
Physiotherapist, Toronto, Canada
★★★★★

"I was nervous about working with fire in a clinical setting, but the safety protocols in this course are so detailed that I felt prepared. The equipment section helped me set up my workspace correctly from the start. Highly recommended."

SK
Sarah K.
Integrative Health Practitioner, Denver, CO

Equipment guide

Recommended equipment for fire cupping practice

The following equipment is commonly used in fire cupping practice. These items are not required to complete the course.

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Glass cupping set

A professional set of glass cups in multiple sizes (small, medium, large). Glass is essential — fire cupping cannot be performed with silicone or plastic cups.

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Hemostats and cotton

Locking hemostats (forceps) to hold cotton balls securely during the flame application. Medical-grade cotton balls.

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Isopropyl alcohol (70%)

Used to soak the cotton ball before ignition. 70% concentration provides the correct burn characteristics for safe practice.

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Lighter or long matches

A reliable ignition source. Long-reach lighters are preferred for control and safety during the flame application.

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Massage oil or lubricant

Applied to the treatment area before cupping to create a seal and allow sliding cup techniques. Use a professional-grade, hypoallergenic oil.

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Towels and fire safety

Clean towels for draping, a fire-resistant surface, and a small container of water as a safety precaution during practice.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know

This course is designed for trained professionals working within their scope of practice. While prior TCM knowledge is helpful, the program covers foundational TCM theory relevant to fire cupping. You should be a licensed or certified practitioner in acupuncture, massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, or a related field.
This course provides comprehensive theoretical knowledge and detailed video demonstrations of fire cupping technique. It is designed to supplement, not replace, hands-on clinical training. We recommend practicing under supervision before applying fire cupping on clients, particularly if you have no prior cupping experience.
You will need a professional glass cupping set (multiple sizes), locking hemostats/forceps, cotton balls, 70% isopropyl alcohol, a lighter or long matches, massage oil, clean towels, and a small container of water for fire safety. Equipment is not included in the course and must be purchased separately.
The course contains 5 hours of CE/CPD content including 2.5 hours of video. Most students complete the program within 1-2 weeks, but you have lifetime access and can work at your own pace.
The certification is approved by 13 professional boards including the Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Tennessee, and Washington Boards of Acupuncture, the British Acupuncture Council, the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, and several Canadian TCM colleges. Check the full list on this page to confirm your board is included.
This certification provides professional training and a CPD-accredited credential. Whether you can practice fire cupping depends on your local licensing regulations and scope of practice. Check with your state or national regulatory body to confirm cupping is within your scope.
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If the course does not meet your expectations, contact us within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
Enroll now
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Ancient technique. Professional training. Safe practice.

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