Cupping therapy is a very old alternative form of therapy. In the former days, it used to be practiced in the eastern part of the world, like Egypt, the Middle East, Korea, China, etc.
Additionally, Inverted bell-shaped cups of different sizes are placed on the surface of the skin. Thereafter, vacuum pressure is created within the cups with help of a small suction pump, attached to the base of these cups. Subsequently, These pressurized cups are left on selected body parts for a few minutes.
Moreover, This cupping process helps in bringing toxic blood to the skin’s surface, which is cleaned up using antiseptic care.
Furthermore, In olden times cupping was done with cups made out of natural materials like animal horn, bamboo, clay besides glass.
Cupping therapy is helpful in treating the following conditions:
- Inflammation
- To relax and relieve pain
- Improve blood flow with a similar effect as in deep tissue massage.
- Remove toxic blood as in conditions like acne, skin infections, swollen joints
Nowadays, Cupping therapy is gaining a lot of popularity. Additionally, You see more and more celebrities carrying circular brown, black marks on their backs left from this therapy for a few days.
How cupping therapy works:
It is believed that cupping helps to balance the flow of energy, both yin and yang.
Moreover, Balancing these negative and positive energies improves the body’s natural ability to fight and prevent any pathogen attack and consequently, helps assist the body to heal naturally.
Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, also talks about, healing methods of cupping techniques in his descriptions of various natural ways of fixing the body’s imbalances
Furthermore, Cupping promotes blood flow to the treated area of the body, which helps in relaxing tense muscles, the same as it happens in massage therapy.
Wherever there is an enhanced flow of blood, cell regeneration happens, which promotes the healing process Cupping therapy also enhances youthfulness by producing collagen in connective tissues resulting from detoxification as well as increased blood circulation.
Cupping therapy can be used to complement, mainline therapy in a supplemental role, to hasten the period of recovery and rejuvenation.
Does cupping really work:
It can benefit several conditions, both localized as well as general
Cupping brings blood flow to peripheral areas, rich in a network of veins, blood vessels, and nerves, hence it removes imbalances and boosts immunity
Cupping for detoxification :
As cupping increases blood flow, thereby it elements toxins. It’s even known that balanced uric acid levels increased due to high intake of red meats etc. Thus it controls acidic levels of blood and urine, required for the body’s defense system to work in our favor
Cupping promotes lymph flow as well required to eliminate toxic waste from the body.
Where all Cupping can be done:
Cupping can be done on:
- Face to eliminate debris under acne.
- Back tissues along the spine for arthritic conditions
- Legs for pains and aches
- Head for scalp conditions
- Abdomen to treat digestive issues
- Chest for lung and heart conditions
Type of cupping :
In old times, animal horns were used and a vacuum was created by heating them with fire.
Then heated bamboo and earthen cups were used.
Nowadays, glass cups are heated with fire, and as the hot air cools, a vacuum is created.
Silicone or plastic cups are used where the suction pump is used for creating pressure.
Different methods of cupping :
- Wet cupping: Skin pores are opened with microneedling or using a surgical blade, and tiny superficial cuts are given. Then with the suction method, toxic blood oozes out
- Moving cupping: Oil is applied to the area to be treated, and then cups are moved to give a massage-like effect.
- Fire cupping: Glass cups are warmed with a candle or lit-up alcohol swab. That builds the pressure within the cups, then these cups are quickly placed on the skin.
How to decide on the method of Cupping:
A cupping expert will consult the client and choose the method and type of cupping.
What to expect in cupping sessions :
The cupping expert will note down your detailed history during a consultation with all symptoms, cheif guiding symptoms, and related.
She will then choose your course of treatment, as in the number of sessions and gaps in between as well as the type of cupping and area of cupping treatment.
She may advise you to come on a light stomach and plan a light day of activity, to allow the body to go through the healing process.
Cupping is a detox and rejuvenating therapy, you need to allow the body o receive the benefits of cupping treatment while being in a state of relaxation and rest.
Additionally, The cupping session lasts a minimum of 10 minutes to an hour depending on the need of your particular condition under treatment.
Side effects of Cupping therapy:
Temporarily, for 5-7 days circular, black or brown marks will be left, more so on areas where toxic blood is present and it comes to the surface.
With the use of anticoagulant, creams these marks will leave in a few days. There is no discomfort of leftover pain etc.
Conditions treated with Cupping Therapy.
- Digestive issues
- Headache
- Migraine
- Paralysis
- Cervical spondylosis
- Carpel Tunnel syndrome
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Asthma
Contraindications of Cupping Therapy :
In the following conditions, cupping should be avoided till the condition is better.
- If you are on a blood thinner
- If you have active skin conditions like wound abscesses or skin ulcers
- If the skin is thin and delicate
- Varicose veins
Take away notes :
Cupping is a complementary and alternative therapy to support your main-line treatment, in order to amplify the effect of your treatment in totality and shorten recovery time.
What is Facial cupping :
Facial cupping is used to rejuvenate the skin of the face as well as detoxify it by eliminating toxic bad blood accumulated in different areas, beneath the skin’s surface.
Facial cups are smaller than body cups.
Benefits of facial cupping:
- Improved complexion
- Reduced facial lines and wrinkles
- Improving oxygen levels of cells
- Stimulates collagen production
- Relaxes facial muscles
- Tones up facial muscles
- Reduces water retention in facial tissues and muscles
How to take care of Facial cupping marks?
Facial cup size being small and pressure less, usually makes are minimal. They go away fast.
Should you attempt cupping at home :
Cupping therapy should be done by an experienced hand with complete hygiene available.
Only after proper assessment by an expert, type of cupping, etc., it should be undergone with required follow-up care and guidance.