Massage Cupping Foundations
Establish a sound foundation in decompression-based cupping, including cup selection, suction control, static and gliding applications, client communication and appropriate treatment pacing.
Core diploma learning
Massage Cupping Therapist (MCT)
€259,95
NAT Advanced Skills Diploma · 30 Hours
Massage Cupping Therapist
Develop a versatile, clinically informed approach to integrating decompression-based cupping techniques into hands-on practice.
Designed for qualified massage, manual therapy and rehabilitation professionals, this five-module online diploma explores modern massage cupping, movement-based application, orthopaedic approaches and traditional fire cupping. Practical education is supported by two professional cupping sets supplied with the course.
Study time 30 hours
Structure 5 required modules
Format Online and self-paced
Completion Assessment and diploma
What you will learn
Use cupping purposefully—not simply as a collection of techniques.
- Understand how cupping creates decompression and how different cup types behave during treatment.
- Select suitable cups, suction levels, application methods and treatment durations for the individual client.
- Apply static, gliding and movement-oriented cupping approaches within massage and manual therapy sessions.
- Integrate regional and orthopaedic cupping strategies into wider assessment and treatment planning.
- Explore traditional fire-cupping principles alongside essential safety, preparation and professional considerations.
- Monitor tissue response, communicate clearly and modify treatment according to comfort and clinical context.
Course content
Five connected areas of professional cupping education.
Remedial Cupping Integration
Learn how cupping may be integrated thoughtfully with sports massage, soft-tissue treatment, movement assessment and broader rehabilitation goals.
Presented by Rebecca “Becky” Tyler OST SMT PTOrthopaedic Cupping
Explore clinically focused cupping strategies for common regional presentations, with attention to anatomy, tissue response, movement and responsible treatment adaptation.
Presented by Dr. Joi Edwards PT PhDDynamic and Movement-Based Cupping
Combine controlled suction with active or assisted movement. Consider positioning, treatment goals, comfort and ways to integrate cupping into functional and movement-oriented care.
Expert-led practical learningTraditional Fire Cupping
Examine the principles and practical context of traditional fire cupping, including equipment preparation, safe handling, cup placement, contraindications and professional responsibility.
Presented by Dr. Constance Bradley L.Ac PhDThe headings above summarise the five principal learning areas within the programme. The learning platform contains the complete lesson sequence, demonstrations and supporting course materials.
What is included?
Online education supported by professional equipment.
- Five structured online learning modules
- Expert video classes and practical demonstrations
- Supporting course texts and learning resources
- Regional, movement-based and orthopaedic applications
- Online knowledge checks and final assessment
- Downloadable NAT diploma following successful completion
- Flexible, self-paced study with ongoing course access
- One 18-piece Hansol vacuum cupping set
- One 8-piece EDGE Pro silicone cupping set
Equipment and delivery
The course currently includes one 18-piece Hansol vacuum cupping set and one 8-piece EDGE Pro silicone cupping set. Physical-product availability, delivery times, shipping charges and import requirements may vary by destination and should be confirmed at checkout.
This is a professional continuing-education course for appropriately qualified practitioners. It does not qualify learners to diagnose medical conditions, perform restricted techniques without suitable training or work beyond their legal and professional scope of practice. Fire cupping should only be performed where permitted and following suitable practical training and risk-management procedures.
Your presenters
Learn from experienced practitioners and educators.
Remedial cupping and rehabilitation
Rebecca “Becky” Tyler OST SMT PT
Becky Tyler is an experienced osteopath, sports massage therapist, movement therapist and educator with more than 13 years of clinical and teaching experience.
Her professional background also includes paediatric osteopathy, personal training and work with high-level athletes. This gives her a broad understanding of how hands-on treatment can fit alongside training, movement and rehabilitation.
Becky’s teaching is practical and adaptable, helping therapists integrate cupping according to the client, tissue response, movement goals and wider treatment context.
Orthopaedics and cupping therapy
Dr. Joi Edwards PT PhD
Dr. Joi Edwards is an experienced physical therapist, massage therapist and educator with a strong clinical background in orthopaedics and manual therapy.
She has studied, researched and practised different forms of cupping therapy for more than 20 years, bringing substantial hands-on experience to her teaching.
Dr. Joi is known for an engaging teaching style that connects anatomy and clinical reasoning with practical, usable treatment strategies.
Traditional and integrative care
Dr. Constance Bradley L.Ac PhD
Dr. Constance Bradley is a senior NAT faculty member with academic qualifications spanning philosophy, medical ethics, philosophy of science, theoretical biology and acupuncture.
She earned an MA in Acupuncture from the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture and is licensed to practise acupuncture in Kentucky, with national certification through the NCCAOM.
Her teaching places traditional techniques within a thoughtful framework of safety, ethics, professional scope and contemporary clinical practice.