Cupping Therapy at Home: The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Safe and Effective Self-Cupping

Introduction: The Rise of Cupping in Modern Wellness

If you’ve ever noticed those mysterious round marks on Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps or in classic martial-arts films like The Karate Kid, you’ve already seen the results of cupping therapy. Once an ancient healing ritual rooted in traditional Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine, cupping has made a dramatic comeback in modern health and fitness circles. From professional athletes to office workers with back tension, people everywhere are turning to this centuries-old technique to relieve pain, speed up recovery, and improve overall well-being.

So, what’s driving this global resurgence? Simply put, cupping offers a natural and non-invasive way to boost circulation, ease sore muscles, and relax the mind — all without medication or complicated equipment. The best part? With the right guidance and tools, you can perform cupping therapy safely in the comfort of your own home.

This comprehensive beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know about at-home cupping therapy — from understanding how it works to learning step-by-step techniques for safe practice. You’ll also discover the real benefits, the most suitable cups for beginners, essential precautions, and even how to make cupping part of your self-care or recovery routine.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge and confidence you need to determine whether self-cupping therapy is a valuable addition to your wellness journey — and how to make it work safely and effectively for you.

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What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is an ancient healing practice that uses suction to draw blood toward the skin’s surface. While the method dates back more than 3,000 years, its purpose remains the same: to encourage the body’s natural healing processes by increasing circulation, easing muscle tension, and stimulating energy flow.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), cupping is believed to balance Qi — the life force or energy that flows through the body. Blockages or stagnation of this energy can lead to pain or illness, and cupping helps remove those blockages. Modern science explains it slightly differently: the suction creates a localized vacuum that boosts blood flow, promotes lymphatic drainage, and may even trigger the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms.

Over time, cupping has evolved into different forms — from glass and bamboo cups used with fire, to modern silicone and plastic cups that rely on mechanical or manual suction. Today, it’s a common therapy used by acupuncturists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists worldwide. Yet, because of its relative simplicity, cupping can also be practiced safely at home when done with care and understanding.

The Science Behind Cupping: How It Works

Cupping might look mysterious at first glance, but the science behind it is surprisingly straightforward. When a cup is placed on your skin and suction is created, it gently lifts the tissue underneath. This upward pull increases blood flow in the targeted area, stretching the fascia — the thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds your muscles and organs — and encouraging the release of muscle knots and adhesions.

This process triggers several physiological responses:

• Enhanced Circulation: The suction draws blood to the surface, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues that may have been tight or stagnant.
• Detoxification: Cupping helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which assists in clearing out metabolic waste from your muscles.
• Nervous System Regulation: The gentle pressure and release can calm the nervous system, reducing stress hormones and promoting relaxation.
• Pain Relief: The increased blood flow and tissue expansion can help decrease inflammation, soothe trigger points, and provide relief from chronic pain.

Think of cupping as a “reverse massage.” Instead of pressing down on muscles, it lifts them — creating space for circulation and allowing your body to reset and heal. Many people compare the sensation to a deep tissue massage, except that instead of pressure pushing in, you feel a pulling effect that can be oddly satisfying.

Scientific studies have also explored cupping’s potential role in stimulating microcirculation and reducing oxidative stress. While more research is needed, evidence suggests that regular cupping may improve recovery from muscle soreness, aid immune function, and even reduce anxiety and fatigue when combined with other wellness practices.

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Why More People Are Trying At-Home Cupping

In today’s fast-paced world, self-care is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. As more people look for natural and affordable ways to manage pain and stress, at-home cupping therapy has become a convenient solution.

Here are some key reasons why it’s gaining so much traction:

1. Accessibility: Professional cupping sessions can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per visit. Buying your own cupping set is often less than the price of one session, making it a practical long-term investment.
2. Convenience: You can perform cupping at home whenever you need — no appointments or waiting rooms required.
3. Control: By learning proper techniques, you can adjust suction levels and target areas based on your comfort and needs.
4. Complementary Therapy: Many people combine cupping with stretching, yoga, or massage to maximize its effects.
5. Stress Reduction: The soothing, rhythmic sensation of cupping has a calming effect that can ease tension after a long day.

Athletes use it to recover faster, office workers turn to it for neck and shoulder stiffness, and wellness enthusiasts include it in their weekly self-care routines. The appeal lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. You don’t need a medical degree to get started — just the right information, patience, and a respect for your body’s limits.

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The Benefits of Cupping Therapy at Home

Performing cupping therapy at home comes with a range of benefits that extend beyond just muscle relief. When done correctly, it can support physical, emotional, and even skin health. Below are the most notable advantages you can experience:

1. Pain and Muscle Relief

Cupping’s most well-known benefit is its ability to relieve muscle pain. By increasing blood circulation, it helps release tightness, reduce inflammation, and soothe chronic pain. People suffering from back pain, neck tension, migraines, or arthritis often report noticeable relief after consistent sessions.

A key advantage of home cupping is being able to target pain exactly where you feel it — whether it’s a tight spot on your shoulders after a workout or stiffness from sitting too long. It’s like having your own personal physical therapy session whenever you need it.

2. Faster Recovery and Improved Performance

For athletes or fitness enthusiasts, cupping helps flush out lactic acid and metabolic waste that build up after intense activity. This process speeds up muscle recovery and reduces soreness. It’s one of the reasons elite athletes incorporate it into their post-training recovery.

When combined with stretching or light exercise, self-cupping can help your muscles bounce back faster, allowing you to train consistently without overloading your body.

3. Enhanced Blood Flow and Circulation

Poor circulation can lead to fatigue, muscle stiffness, and even dull skin. Cupping’s suction encourages capillary expansion, improving microcirculation and ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach deep tissue layers. The result? Healthier muscles and more energized, supple skin.

4. Support for Respiratory Health

Cupping can also be beneficial for people dealing with respiratory issues such as asthma, congestion, or seasonal allergies. Applying cups to the upper back and chest can help open up the chest and promote easier breathing.

Many users describe it as a “deep exhale for the lungs.” However, this should always be done gently and never on inflamed or sensitive skin.

5. Skin Health and Rejuvenation

Facial cupping — a milder version of the therapy — has gained huge popularity in skincare routines. The gentle suction increases blood flow to facial tissues, stimulating collagen production and helping reduce fine lines and puffiness. Over time, your complexion may appear brighter, firmer, and more youthful.

For the body, cupping can help minimize the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks by improving lymphatic drainage and smoothing the texture of the skin.

Understanding the Different Types of Cupping

Before you begin your at-home therapy, it’s important to understand the various types of cups available and how they differ. Each style offers unique benefits, but some are far safer and easier for beginners to handle than others. Choosing the right cup ensures that you not only get the best results but also avoid unnecessary discomfort or injury.

Plastic Cups (Best for Beginners)

Plastic cupping sets are by far the most beginner-friendly option. These kits often include a handheld vacuum pump that attaches to a valve on top of each cup, allowing you to precisely control the suction level. This means you can start with light pressure and gradually increase intensity as you become more comfortable.

The transparency of plastic cups also lets you see how your skin reacts in real time, which is a big plus for safety. They come in multiple sizes — small ones for arms or neck areas, and larger ones for the back, thighs, or shoulders. This flexibility makes them perfect for anyone who wants to experiment with different parts of the body.

Tip: Always start with moderate suction. Too much pressure can cause bruising or discomfort, especially if your skin is sensitive or if it’s your first time trying cupping.

Silicone Cups (Flexible and Easy to Use)

Silicone cups have become a favorite in the self-care and beauty community due to their soft, pliable texture and ease of use. To create suction, simply squeeze the cup, place it on your skin, and release it. The vacuum formed is typically gentler than that of plastic or glass cups, making silicone ideal for those new to cupping or for facial treatments.

Another advantage is their versatility — silicone cups glide smoothly when used with oil or lotion, which makes them perfect for “moving cupping” or dynamic massage. They are also easy to clean, travel-friendly, and less likely to break if dropped.

Best for: Facial cupping, muscle relaxation, lymphatic drainage, and cellulite massage.

Glass Cups (Traditional but Risky at Home)

Glass cups are the traditional choice used in “fire cupping”, an ancient method where a flame briefly heats the inside of the cup before it’s placed on the skin. The cooling air inside creates suction that pulls the skin upward. While this technique is highly effective when performed by a trained professional, it comes with significant risk for at-home users.

If the flame is applied incorrectly or the skin isn’t properly prepared, you can easily suffer burns or blistering. For that reason, fire cupping should only be done by licensed practitioners. For beginners, it’s safest to stick with silicone or plastic cups that don’t require heat or open flames.

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How to Choose the Right Cupping Set for You

When choosing a cupping set, think about your goals and comfort level. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Type of Cup	Best For	Control Over Suction	Safety Level	Ideal For Beginners
Plastic Cups	Muscle pain, back tension	High	Very Safe	✅ Yes
Silicone Cups	Facial cupping, cellulite, relaxation	Medium	Very Safe	✅ Yes
Glass Cups	Deep therapy, professional use	Variable	Moderate to High Risk	❌ No

For most people starting out at home, a combination of plastic and silicone cups is perfect. Plastic cups offer precision for targeted pain relief, while silicone cups make it easy to cover larger areas or perform moving cupping sessions.

Before purchasing, also check for these quality indicators:

• Medical-grade materials: Ensure cups are BPA-free and skin-safe.
• Easy maintenance: Removable valves or washable silicone make cleaning simple.
• Variety of sizes: Different cup diameters let you target both small and large muscle groups.

Investing in a quality set not only improves your results but also reduces the risk of irritation or damage to your skin.

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How to Perform Cupping Therapy at Home Safely

Performing cupping at home can be deeply relaxing and therapeutic, but safety and proper technique are key. Below are the three most common methods you can try, along with step-by-step guidance for each one.

Stationary (Static) Cupping

Stationary cupping is the most straightforward and widely used form of self-cupping. It involves placing cups on a specific area and leaving them in place for several minutes. This method is especially effective for trigger points — those stubborn knots in your back, neck, or shoulders that never seem to loosen up.

How to Do It:

1. Select the area: Identify a tight or sore spot on your body, such as the upper back, thighs, or calves.
2. Apply oil: Lightly apply massage oil or lotion to the area. This helps prevent skin irritation and makes it easier to remove the cups later.
3. Create suction:
   • For plastic cups, attach the pump and pull 1–2 times to generate mild suction.
   • For silicone cups, squeeze, place, and release.
4. Leave in place: Start with 5–10 minutes, especially for your first session. As your body adapts, you can gradually increase to 15 minutes.
5. Remove carefully:
   • For plastic cups, lift the valve or press the release button.
   • For silicone cups, gently press on the skin near the edge to break the seal.
6. Aftercare: Massage the area lightly or apply a warm compress to encourage further circulation.

Pro tip: Never leave cups on the same spot for too long. Overdoing it can cause bruising or soreness that lasts several days.

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Moving (Dynamic) Cupping

Moving cupping — also called gliding cupping — is an excellent technique for covering broader muscle areas like the back, thighs, or shoulders. It combines suction with movement, giving you a massage-like experience that feels both relaxing and revitalizing.

How to Do It:

1. Prep your skin: Apply a generous layer of body oil or lotion to reduce friction.
2. Choose your cup: Silicone cups are ideal since they can glide easily over oiled skin.
3. Start cupping: Place the cup on your skin, squeeze gently, and begin sliding it across your muscles in long, even strokes.
4. Focus on direction: You can move the cup in straight lines, circular motions, or zigzag patterns — depending on what feels best.
5. Duration: Spend 10–15 minutes on each area, ensuring you don’t linger too long on one spot.
6. Finish gently: Once you’re done, lift or release the cup and lightly massage the treated area.

Moving cupping is especially good for reducing soreness, increasing flexibility, and improving overall blood circulation. The rhythmic gliding motion can also be surprisingly calming, almost meditative, making it perfect for unwinding at the end of a stressful day.

Flash Cupping (Gentle Facial Technique)

Flash cupping is the lightest and most delicate form of cupping, often used for facial rejuvenation and skin vitality. Unlike static or moving cupping, the cups in flash cupping are applied and released quickly in rapid succession. The goal isn’t deep tissue stimulation but rather to enhance blood flow, boost collagen production, and re-energize the skin — all without leaving visible marks.

How to Do It:

1. Choose the right cup: Use a small, soft silicone cup specifically designed for the face. These cups are thinner and provide gentler suction.
2. Prepare your skin: Clean your face thoroughly and apply a light facial oil or serum. This allows the cups to glide easily without tugging the skin.
3. Start cupping: Lightly squeeze the cup, place it on your skin for one second, then release it immediately. The cup should make a soft “pop” sound as it releases.
4. Repeat rapidly: Continue this motion across your face — cheeks, jawline, forehead, and under the eyes (very gently). Avoid delicate areas like the eyelids.
5. Duration: Keep the session short — around 3 to 5 minutes is ideal.
6. Aftercare: Once finished, rinse your face with cool water and apply moisturizer. Your skin should feel warm, refreshed, and glowing.

Pro tip: Perform facial cupping in the evening so your skin can recover overnight. Avoid makeup or sun exposure immediately after to prevent irritation.

Flash cupping can be done two to three times a week as part of your skincare routine. Over time, many users report firmer skin, fewer fine lines, and an overall healthier complexion — a natural facelift powered by improved circulation.

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Step-by-Step Cupping Preparation Checklist

Before starting any cupping session, it’s important to prepare properly. Skipping these steps can reduce the therapy’s effectiveness or even cause discomfort. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure you’re set up for a safe, relaxing experience:

1. Clean your skin: Wash the target area with warm water and mild soap. This removes sweat and oils that might block suction or cause irritation.
2. Warm up the muscles: Take a warm shower or gently stretch to loosen tight muscles before cupping. This enhances circulation and prevents stiffness afterward.
3. Gather supplies: Have your cups, oil or lotion, towels, and timer within reach. Once you start, you won’t want to move around.
4. Choose your environment: Pick a quiet, comfortable space where you can relax without distractions. Dim lighting and soft music can help set a calming tone.
5. Adjust suction levels: Test the cups on a small area of skin to ensure the suction feels firm but not painful.
6. Hydrate: Drink a glass of water before and after your session. This helps your body flush out toxins and supports the lymphatic process.
7. Know your limits: If you’re new, keep sessions short — about 5 to 10 minutes per area. You can gradually increase duration as your body adapts.

Following these steps ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience, maximizing the benefits while minimizing potential side effects.

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Common Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Like any therapy, self-cupping has a learning curve. Beginners often make a few common mistakes that can lead to bruising, discomfort, or ineffective results. The good news? With a bit of awareness, you can avoid these pitfalls easily.

1. Using Too Much Suction

More suction doesn’t mean better results. Overly strong suction can damage small blood vessels under the skin, causing unnecessary bruising or soreness. Start gently — especially for your first few sessions — and only increase pressure gradually.

2. Leaving Cups On Too Long

Leaving cups in place beyond 15 minutes can overwork the skin and muscles. It might lead to dark marks or sensitivity. Always use a timer to track your session and remove cups promptly.

3. Cupping Over Sensitive Areas

Avoid placing cups directly on joints, bones, veins, or open wounds. Never cup over your neck’s front (the carotid artery), spine, or inflamed skin. Stick to fleshy, muscular areas instead.

4. Ignoring Aftercare

Cupping doesn’t end when you remove the cups. Proper aftercare — such as gentle stretching, hydration, and keeping the area warm — helps your body recover and enhances the benefits. Neglecting these steps may lead to stiffness or irritation.

5. Not Cleaning Cups Properly

Used cups can harbor bacteria if not cleaned correctly. Wash them with warm, soapy water after every session and allow them to air-dry completely before storing. For shared sets, consider using an alcohol wipe between users to maintain hygiene.

6. Cupping Too Frequently

Doing cupping every day can be counterproductive. Your skin and tissues need time to recover. For beginners, one or two sessions per week is ideal. As your body adjusts, you can slowly increase frequency if needed.

Avoiding these mistakes not only makes your cupping sessions safer but also ensures you get the best possible therapeutic benefits every time.

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Aftercare and Recovery Tips

Once your cupping session is done, your body continues to work behind the scenes. The skin might show temporary circular marks, often mistaken for bruises, but these are a normal part of the process. Here’s how to care for your body afterward to ensure faster recovery and optimal results:

1. Keep the Area Warm

After cupping, your pores are open and blood flow is elevated. Exposing the area to cold air or water can disrupt circulation and cause discomfort. Instead, wear loose clothing and stay warm for several hours.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water after cupping is crucial. It helps your body flush out toxins and supports the lymphatic system’s detoxification process. Add a slice of lemon or cucumber to your water for an extra cleansing boost.

3. Rest and Relax

Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after a session. Allow your muscles to recover for at least 24 hours. Light stretching or a warm bath can enhance relaxation and circulation.

4. Soothe the Skin

If the treated area feels sensitive, apply aloe vera gel or a natural moisturizer to calm the skin. Avoid applying lotions with alcohol or strong fragrances.

5. Watch for Overreaction

Mild redness or circular marks are normal and fade within 3–7 days. However, if you notice pain, swelling, or blistering, discontinue use and consult a professional. This may indicate that the suction was too strong or the cup was left on for too long.

6. Reflect on Your Experience

Each session provides insight into your body’s needs. Take note of which areas felt tight, how your body reacted, and how you felt afterward. This helps tailor future sessions for better results.

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Who Should Avoid At-Home Cupping

While cupping is generally safe, it’s not suitable for everyone. Certain health conditions can increase risks, so it’s essential to know when to skip the therapy or consult a doctor first.

Avoid at-home cupping if you:

• Have skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or open wounds.
• Suffer from bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia) or take blood-thinning medications.
• Are pregnant — especially avoid the abdomen and lower back.
• Have severe varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Experience severe chronic illness, cancer, or infections without medical clearance.
• Recently had surgery or deep tissue injury.

Always check with your healthcare provider before trying cupping if you have underlying conditions. Safety should always come first.

How Often Should You Do Cupping?

Just like exercise or massage, cupping works best when done consistently — but not excessively. Finding the right frequency depends on your body’s needs, sensitivity, and goals.

For beginners, start slow. Limit sessions to once or twice per week until your body adapts. This gives your tissues time to recover and ensures the marks fade before your next session. As you become more comfortable, you can adjust the frequency based on your health objectives:

• For muscle tension or chronic pain: 2 sessions per week, targeting different muscle groups each time.
• For stress relief or relaxation: 1 gentle session every 7–10 days.
• For athletic recovery: After intense workouts or competitions, use light cupping within 24–48 hours.
• For facial cupping: 2–3 times per week for short sessions (no more than 5 minutes each).

Overdoing cupping can lead to skin irritation, prolonged marks, or fatigue. Listen to your body — if your skin still feels sore or sensitive from the last session, wait a few more days.

Pro tip: Keep a simple “cupping journal.” Record the areas you treated, suction intensity, and how you felt afterward. Over time, you’ll discover your ideal schedule and preferred techniques.

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Combining Cupping with Other Therapies

Cupping therapy works beautifully when combined with other wellness practices. In fact, pairing it with complementary therapies can amplify results, helping your body recover faster and feel more balanced. Here are a few synergistic combinations worth trying:

1. Cupping + Massage

A gentle massage before cupping helps warm up the muscles, making the therapy more effective. After cupping, a light massage aids in releasing any remaining tension and further increases blood flow.

For self-care, you can use a handheld massager or perform slow, circular motions with your hands before and after the cupping session.

2. Cupping + Stretching or Yoga

Stretching after cupping is like giving your muscles a deep sigh of relief. Since cupping loosens fascia and enhances flexibility, your stretches will feel smoother and reach deeper layers. Yoga, in particular, complements cupping beautifully by balancing physical recovery with mindfulness and breathwork.

3. Cupping + Heat Therapy

Applying a warm compress or using a heating pad for 10–15 minutes before cupping softens tight muscles and improves circulation. The combination provides a spa-like experience that melts away stiffness. Avoid direct heat immediately after cupping, though — let your skin settle first.

4. Cupping + Meditation or Deep Breathing

Cupping doesn’t just relax the body — it can calm the mind. Pairing it with mindfulness or deep breathing enhances the relaxation response, lowering cortisol levels and improving overall well-being. You might find that your sessions become as mentally refreshing as they are physically soothing.

By combining therapies that complement each other, you can create a personalized wellness routine that nurtures both body and mind.

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The Psychology of Relaxation: Why Cupping Feels So Good

There’s something uniquely satisfying about the sensation of cupping — that gentle pull, followed by a wave of warmth and relief. But why does it feel so relaxing? The answer lies in both the body and the brain.

When suction is applied to the skin, it triggers the release of endorphins — the body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers. At the same time, the rhythmic pressure changes stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system), signaling your body to relax.

This is why many people describe feeling light, sleepy, or deeply calm after a cupping session. The sensation mimics a meditative state, where the mind slows down and the body releases stored tension.

Cupping can also provide emotional relief. Just as muscles can hold physical tension, the body often stores stress in subtle ways — tight shoulders, clenched jaws, stiff backs. The process of drawing out that tension through suction can feel symbolic — like physically releasing built-up emotional weight.

For those practicing mindfulness or holistic self-care, cupping can become a form of body-based meditation. Each pull and release reminds you to breathe, let go, and reconnect with your body’s rhythms.

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Real-Life Experiences: What Users Say About At-Home Cupping

Many people who’ve tried at-home cupping describe it as life-changing — not just for pain management but for overall relaxation and recovery. Here are a few common experiences shared by real users:

• Samantha, 35, Fitness Instructor:
  “I was skeptical at first, but after a week of trying cupping on my shoulders post-workout, I noticed a huge difference. The soreness vanished faster, and I slept better that night. It’s become my go-to recovery method.”
• Alex, 42, Office Worker:
  “Sitting all day gave me terrible neck pain. A friend recommended silicone cupping. After a few gentle sessions, my stiffness eased, and my posture even improved.”
• Jasmin, 29, Skincare Enthusiast:
  “Facial cupping has become my favorite Sunday ritual. My skin feels alive afterward — firm, glowing, and smoother. I pair it with my serum, and it helps absorption too!”
• Daniel, 50, Marathon Runner:
  “I use plastic cups after long runs to help my legs recover. It’s like my DIY sports therapy. The first time left some marks, but now I’ve got the suction right — and it works wonders.”

These experiences highlight what studies also suggest: cupping’s effects can be both physical and emotional. Whether you’re an athlete, a desk worker, or just someone looking to unwind, at-home cupping offers tangible, accessible relief.

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Final Thoughts: Making Cupping a Safe Part of Your Wellness Routine

Cupping therapy is more than an ancient tradition — it’s a bridge between old wisdom and modern wellness. With the right tools and techniques, you can enjoy the same restorative benefits that professional sessions offer, right from home.

Remember:

• Start gently and learn to read your body’s signals.
• Always prioritize safety and cleanliness.
• Combine cupping with stretching, hydration, and rest for the best results.

When practiced mindfully, cupping can become a powerful ritual of self-care — one that eases muscle pain, releases emotional tension, and leaves you feeling balanced and rejuvenated. Like meditation or massage, its true benefit lies not in perfection, but in consistency and intention.

So, take your time, create a calm space, and let cupping become your weekly moment of healing — a quiet reminder that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is cupping therapy safe for everyone?

Generally, yes — but people with certain health conditions like skin disorders, blood disorders, or pregnancy should consult a doctor before trying cupping.

2. Do the marks mean it’s working?

Yes. The circular marks are normal and indicate increased blood flow. They aren’t bruises and typically fade within a few days.

3. How can I reduce cupping marks faster?

Stay hydrated, apply aloe vera or arnica gel, and avoid direct sun exposure on treated areas until the marks fade.

4. Can I do cupping every day?

It’s not recommended. Your skin and muscles need time to recover. Limit sessions to one or two times per week per area.

5. Is cupping painful?

Cupping should never hurt. You’ll feel a mild pulling sensation, but if it becomes painful or leaves dark, tender marks, reduce suction intensity or shorten the duration next time.