Cupping – A Traditional Chinese Healing Technique
Cupping is a form of massage therapy that involves the use of suction cups to increase blood flow, relieve pain, reduce inflammation and promote overall wellness. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as a treatment method for aches and pains, especially among celebrities and athletes.
During cupping, suction is created in a glass, ceramic or bamboo cup, which is placed on the skin. This suction forces the underlying tissue into the cup part way and creates a vacuum effect.
What is cupping?
Cupping is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves applying suction cups to different parts of the body to treat pain, inflammation and other conditions. It is often used in conjunction with acupuncture and other forms of complementary medicine.
There are two main types of cupping. The first, dry cupping, is used to increase blood flow and loosen muscles. The second, wet cupping, is used to remove stagnant blood from specific points in the body.
When applied properly, cupping therapy can be very effective in treating a wide range of health issues. It has been shown to help with muscle tension, swelling, bruising and pain, as well as improving circulation and promoting blood flow.
However, there are some precautions you should take before you get a cupping session. This includes staying warm, covered up and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. You should also avoid bathing or showering within three hours of your session.
For most people, cupping therapy is safe and can be helpful for a variety of conditions. But, it is important to discuss your medical history with your health practitioner before undergoing cupping treatment. It is especially not recommended for patients with liver, kidney or heart disease; those on blood thinners; or those with pacemakers.
Some bruising may occur after cupping, but it will usually disappear within a few weeks. cupping cup This is because cupping can increase a person’s blood pressure, which in turn causes the blood vessels to become more sensitive and can result in increased blood flow to the area of the injury.
The bruising will typically be light and not painful. Depending on the severity of the bruising, it may appear purple, red or blue. It will go away in a few days, but it is important to check with your practitioner to ensure that the cup did not cause any complications.
Cupping can be performed on many areas of the body, but it is most commonly used on the back, neck and shoulders. Acupuncturists often use cupping in conjunction with acupuncture to improve the flow of energy and blood to a particular point on the body.
How is cupping done?
Cupping is an ancient healing technique that uses suction to stimulate the body’s natural inflammatory response and increase blood flow. It’s most popularly used for reducing pain and swelling, improving circulation and releasing tension in muscles and fascia.
The procedure is done by placing cups on your skin for up to a few minutes. Your practitioner may also move the cups around for a massage-like effect.
Dry cupping: The traditional method involves using a flammable substance–such as alcohol, herbs, or paper–to place in a cup and light it on fire before placing it on your skin for suction. The resulting vacuum creates a rosy glow and makes your skin rise as your blood vessels expand.
Modern practitioners use a hand-held pump to create the vacuum without heat. A recent research study found this method of cupping can be more comfortable for some patients.
Wet/bleeding cupping: Another traditional method involves making a small incision before starting the suction process to draw blood out. This method is less common in the United States and requires a licensed medical professional.
You’ll be asked to lie down or sit on a table during the cupping session. A massage oil will typically be applied to the area before the cups are placed, according to Dr. Propes, a chiropractor who performs cupping.
Depending on the type of treatment you choose, your session may last from 10 minutes to an hour or longer. Your provider may also apply ointment to help prevent infection and keep the area moist.
If you are pregnant or have any type of bleeding disorder, including hemophilia or taking blood thinners, be sure to talk to your doctor about whether cupping is right for you. It’s also not recommended for patients with kidney disease, severe cardiovascular disease or cancer.
It’s best to seek out a licensed practitioner who has experience with cupping and specializes in the particular treatment you are seeking. You’ll also want to be honest with your practitioner about any allergies you have or conditions that make it hard for you to tolerate suction.
What are the benefits of cupping?
Cupping is an age-old form of holistic therapy that can ease tension, chronic pain and inflammation. It also helps support the body’s own natural healing capabilities, a recent study reports.
Your provider places cups on your skin that are filled with a suction-like substance. The suction creates a vacuum force that pulls your skin up into the cup. This can help release muscles, improve circulation, and alleviate tension (Aboushanab, 2018).
During cupping sessions, your provider can use dry or wet cups. In the case of dry cupping, cupping cup a provider heats the inside of each cup with a cotton ball or other materials that send oxygen out of the cups.
Once the cups are on your skin, the suction forces break open tiny blood vessels underneath your skin. This causes round bruise-like marks to appear on your skin that fade after a few days.
These marks can be purple or red, but they won’t feel painful, says Auth, who is a certified cupping practitioner in San Francisco. In addition to helping relieve muscle tension, the marks can increase circulation and flush out toxins that may have built up in the area.
The suction caused by the cups can also affect nerve fibers that carry pain signals, reducing your discomfort or making you feel less tense. It can also decrease inflammation or stimulate the production of endorphins, which make you feel happy and relaxed, says Auth.
It can also relieve headaches, sinus problems and muscle pain by enhancing circulation and promoting the drainage of lymphatic fluids, which can be congested or blocked. Lymphatic fluids are part of the immune system and are tasked with flushing out waste products like uric acid.
As a complement to standard medical care, cupping can help your body get back on track with healthy habits and prevent recurring injuries and illnesses. It can even reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Before you have your first session, you can help prepare your body for treatment by drinking lots of water before and after the session, recommends Dr. Moday. You should also eat a light meal about two hours before your cupping session to provide your body with adequate energy stores.
What are the risks of cupping?
Cupping is an ancient Chinese healing technique with a long history of use. It has a reputation for reducing pain, restoring circulation, and helping the body detoxify. But it’s important to note that cupping has some risks, and these should be taken into account before you try the treatment.
First, cupping can cause marks on your skin that are similar to a bruise. This is because blood vessels are brought to the surface, causing redness and discoloration. You should discuss the risk of blood bruising with your practitioner before receiving cupping therapy, especially if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medications for it.
Another possible side effect is infection. Your therapist should apply ointment and bandages to the cupped areas to help prevent infections. However, this is not always the case, so you should be aware of potential risks of infection before you undergo cupping therapy.
Despite these risks, cupping is a safe and effective treatment option for many musculoskeletal conditions and other health concerns. It can be used to treat a range of issues, including arthritis, headaches, stomachaches, and muscle strains.
When performed properly, cupping can stimulate the nervous system to release toxins, increase blood flow to the affected areas, and restore lymphatic drainage to promote healthy function of tissues and organs. It can also help heal and rehydrate the skin, reduce stretch marks, and improve the appearance of scars.
It should not be applied to sites with active inflammation, open wounds, or any other skin condition that may be irritated by the suction. Additionally, cupping should not be applied to the eyes or mouth.
The most common side effect of cupping is a temporary skin discoloration, which is typically fading after a few days. It can be uncomfortable to have this skin discoloration occur, but it is not a serious side effect and should not be considered a problem.
While the research on the effectiveness of cupping is relatively new, enough randomized controlled trials exist to show that it can be beneficial for a variety of health concerns. Future clinical trials will be able to more thoroughly tease apart the mechanisms of action and efficacy of this ancient healing method.