By the end of this course, you will (1) perform safe and effective fire cupping techniques and (2) understand the physiological and energetic effects behind them. Led by Dr. Constance Bradley, L.Ac., this course blends traditional Chinese Medicine principles with modern safety protocols to help practitioners confidently integrate cupping therapy into practice.

Enjoy unlimited growth with a year of Coursera Plus for $199 (regularly $399). Save now.

Fundamentals of Fire Cupping
This course is part of Integrative Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialist Specialization

Instructor: Niel Asher Education
Included with
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
How to perform safe, effective fire cupping using proper technique and tools
How cupping affects circulation, fascia, and energy flow to relieve pain
Skills you'll gain
Details to know

Add to your LinkedIn profile
December 2025
4 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Build your subject-matter expertise
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course
In this opening module, learners are introduced to the foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory as it applies to fire cupping. The module explains the core TCM concepts of Qi, Blood, Jing, body fluids, and the meridian system, and how imbalance or stagnation within these systems contributes to pain and dysfunction. The instructor walks through how cupping fits into the wider family of TCM modalities — alongside acupuncture, gua sha, moxibustion, and herbal therapy — and why cupping is particularly effective for improving circulation, releasing stagnation, and restoring functional harmony within the body. Historical background provides context for cupping’s evolution from an ancient folk remedy to a professional clinical modality. This module emphasizes holistic reasoning: treating the whole person, not just the site of pain. By the end, learners will understand when cupping is appropriate, the theory that guides treatment decisions, and how cupping achieves therapeutic change.
What's included
3 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
This module builds the essential anatomical and safety framework for effective fire cupping practice. Learners will explore how Traditional Chinese Medicine views the body through meridians, Qi pathways, and organ system relationships, and how these maps guide where and why cups are placed. The session also covers critical clinical preparation — screening, contraindications, and client communication — to ensure treatments are both safe and therapeutically appropriate.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
In Module 2, the focus shifts from theory to hands-on clinical application. The instructor demonstrates exactly how to prepare, light, and place cups safely and confidently. Learners are shown how to sequence treatment, how much suction to use, and how to adjust cupping intensity based on patient presentation. The module breaks down key technical details: selecting cup size, maintaining flame distance, correct negative pressure, and how to glide cups without breaking the seal. Emphasis is placed on assessment and real-time clinical decision making—identifying where stagnation exists, interpreting tissue response, and modifying technique to achieve therapeutic change. Specific body regions are demonstrated, showing how cupping can be used locally or along a meridian pathway to influence a broader pattern of dysfunction. By the end of this module, learners will be confident in performing static and dynamic cupping techniques safely and effectively in a clinical setting.
What's included
10 videos1 assignment
This final exam is designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts presented throughout the course. Please review all video lessons and written materials before beginning. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to successfully complete the course and earn your CE certificate. You may reference your notes during the exam. Once you pass, your certificate will be available for immediate download.
What's included
1 video1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor

Offered by
Explore more from Patient Care

Niel Asher Education

Niel Asher Education

Niel Asher Education

Niel Asher Education
Why people choose Coursera for their career




Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
More questions
Financial aid available,




