Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy used to stimulate blood flow, relieve muscle tension and promote cell repair. During cupping therapy, cups are placed onto the skin, which are then heated or suctioned. This creates a vacuum that draws the skin and muscle up inside the cup. This often results in redness, as the blood vessels respond to the change in pressure.
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a treatment that uses small cups or jars that provide suction to areas of the skin and can be used all over the body. By drawing congested blood, energy or other humors to the surface, the pressure that is applied to the skin disperses and breaks up stagnation and congestion. There are two different types of cupping: dry and wet. In dry cupping, the suction cups are simply placed on the skin. In wet cupping, a small opening is made on the skin and then a suction cup is applied to extract small amounts of blood.
There are several ways that a cupping therapist can create the suction in the cups. One method involves applying rubbing alcohol to the cup, which is then lit and immediately placed against the skin. There are other methods that use the heat from fire to create suction, but the flames are never used near the skin and are not lit throughout the process. Rather, they are used to create the heat that generates the suction within the small cups.
Once the suction has occurred, the cups can be gently moved across the skin, which is sometimes referred to as ‘gliding cupping’. To improve movement of the glass cups along the skin, medical massage oils are sometimes applied. The negative pressure in the cups causes the skin and superficial layer of muscle to be lightly drawn into the cup. Unlike massage therapy where pressure is applied to muscles, cupping uses pressure in the opposite direction, to pull them upwards. For the majority of patients, this is a relaxing and relieving sensation. Once the cups are suctioned to the skin, they are generally left in place for about ten minutes while the patient relaxes.
How does cupping work?
Cupping works by creating an increase in blood flow around a person’s skin. The increased pressure draws blood into the affected area, increasing the rate of healing. This can be used to decrease inflammation and reduce pain in soft tissue injuries. Scientists have linked cupping therapy with a variety of health benefits, including migraine treatment, management of high blood pressure, and more.
What conditions can Cupping treat?
Cupping has been practiced for hundreds of years, with a wide range of treated ailments, including:
- Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia
- Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Fertility and gynecological disorders
- Skin problems such as eczema and acne
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety and depression
- Bronchial congestion caused by allergies and asthma
- Varicose veins
What should I expect after cupping?
After cupping, it is normal to experience red, circular marks around the areas where the cups were applied. These marks should not cause any pain and will disappear on their own within 10 days. Should you have any concerns following your cupping treatment, let your cupping therapist or doctor know.
Who can perform cupping?
Several different healthcare professionals can perform cupping, including:
If you are looking for an effective treatment for your back or neck pain, come to TRUE Health Medical for our cupping treatment today! Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in performing cupping therapy and can help you find relief. Call us today to book an appointment, a new path to healing is only a phone call away! We serve patients from Gilbert AZ, Chandler AZ, Queen Creek AZ, Sun Lakes AZ, Mesa AZ, Sacaton AZ, and Apache Junction AZ. Looking forward to serve you!