What is Cupping Therapy? How Is It Used And What Are The Benefits

Cupping therapy has been practiced for thousands of years, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine, to help balance the flow of Qi and promote physical health and mental well-being. The process can help relieve tension, improve flexibility, and even support the immune system by increasing circulation to targeted areas. Cupping can be used for a variety of conditions, including back pain, headaches, muscle stiffness, and respiratory issues. Whether used for general wellness or specific therapeutic goals, cupping is a safe and non-invasive treatment option that offers numerous health benefits.

There are two main types of cupping–Fire and Suction cups. Fire cupping is a modality in which a small flame is placed into the cup to create a suction, and then the warmed cup is placed onto the skin. Suction cups employ a small mechanical pump onto silicon cups to create the vacuum tension desired. When cups are applied to the skin, the suction draws the skin, fascia, and superficial muscle layers upward. This gentle lifting action creates space, allowing for increased circulation of Qi, blood, and lymph to flow more freely into the targeted area. As a result, stagnant energy, toxins, and waste products are moved out, while fresh nutrients and oxygen-rich blood flood the area. This enhanced circulation helps promote healing, reduce pain, and relieve tension in the muscles, fascia, and connective tissue, contributing to overall health and wellness.

Some techniques that may be applied are stationary cupping, slide cupping, flash cupping, medicinal herbal cupping, or wet cupping. Each type of cupping is used for a specific condition. 

• Stationary Cupping

  The cup is placed on the desired area, or points upon the body and then left there for a specific amount of time. 

• Slide Cupping

  A technique in which some sort of massage lotion or herbal liniment is placed onto the skin and the cups are moved along the skin. This is a very relaxing technique that feels like a deep tissue massage. 

• Flash Cupping

  A technique in which the cups are quickly suctioned onto the skin and then removed over and over again. 

• Medicinal Cupping

  A technique in which bamboo cups are soaked in hot herbal broths, after they cool slightly they are then placed onto the skin with the fire cupping modality. 

• Wet Cupping

  A technique in which a small lancet is used to prick the skin before the glass cup is placed onto the area. This promotes a small amount of blood to be released into the cup and it is thought to help remove internal pathogens, blood stasis, and pain. 

The cups leave circular marks on the skin, that range from a light pink to a deep purple depending upon what’s going on beneath the skin. These markings are different from bruises, as bruises are marks of broken blood vessels beneath the skin, whereas the marks from cupping are referred to as “Sha”. It is petechiae, and this process is thought to release unhealthy and stagnated blood from the muscles, in the hope of improving blood and lymph flow.

Cupping marks heal differently than bruises, as bruises turn from purple to red to yellow as they fade and heal, while the cupping marks will slowly fade to a lighter and lighter shade of pink. The marks may be slightly tender in the beginning but they will not hurt when touched like a bruise. It is important to keep cupping marks covered for a few days after the treatment, especially from wind and cold. 

What Is Cupping Used For?

Cupping therapy has been used for thousands of years in many cultures’ traditional medical practices.  It helps to increase blood and Qi flow to a specific area while stimulating metabolic cellular repair and speeding healing and recovery times. It is a great practice to help reduce pain from past injuries as well. Looking for a more detailed scientific understanding of this modality- check out this article!

Cupping is a very versatile technique that is usually used in conjunction with acupuncture or massage.  It is great for pain relief as it helps to loosen connective tissue and fascia while promoting blood and lymph flow and reducing inflammation. Studies have shown a great improvement in pain levels for chronic neck and shoulder pain. It also feels great and can help promote deep states of relaxation and shed away layers of stress and anxiety. Cupping can also help to remove toxin buildup and stagnated water from the lungs helping to improve respiratory health. It is a non-invasive and safe technique good for all ages. 

What Does Cupping Treat?

• Respiratory disorders including asthma, cough, and congestion

• Pain (both chronic and acute conditions)

• Digestive complaints such as constipation

• Anxiety and relaxation and much more!

Cautions and Contraindications

Caution and thorough consideration of contraindications are crucial when engaging in cupping therapy, a traditional practice with potential therapeutic benefits. Individuals with certain medical conditions such as hemophilia or those prone to blood clotting disorders should approach cupping with caution, as the procedure involves creating suction on the skin, which may pose risks for increased bleeding. Cupping should be avoided in areas with open wounds, irritated skin, or active infections to prevent potential complications. Pregnant individuals, especially in the abdominal and lower back regions, should consult with healthcare professionals before undergoing cupping therapy to ensure the safety of both the mother and the unborn child. As with any holistic therapy, it is essential to seek guidance from qualified practitioners who can tailor cupping sessions to individual health considerations and provide a safe and effective treatment experience.

• Taking Blood thinning medication

• Open Wounds

• Sensitive Skin

• Rashes/ Burns

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Sources

• Al-Bedah AMN, Elsubai IS, Qureshi NA, et al. The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6435947/. Published April 30, 2018. Accessed April 16, 2019.

• Chi L-M, Lin L-M, Chen C-L, Wang S-F, Lai H-L, Peng T-C. The Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy on Relieving Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4814666/. Published 2016. Accessed April 16, 2019.

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