Cupping therapy involves placing small cups on the surface of the skin that produce a vacuum suction on the target area.
The vacuum suction of the cup causes localised congestion and stimulates acupoints, which in turn are used to influence the flow of Qi (vital energy).
Cupping therapy is thought to be a form of alternative medicine that originated in China and has been practised for over 3000 years. Cupping has been used by massage therapists to treat various conditions in people such as neck pain, muscular stiffness and a variety of other ailments.
There are various types of cupping treatments that people can choose from, including dry cupping, wet cupping, and needle cupping. Needle cupping involves the placement of needles on the skin surface of the targeted area, as is the case with an acupuncturist, before initiating the vacuum suction process with the cups. In wet cupping, the massage therapist leaves the cups in place for about three minutes to create a mild suction.The cups can also be heated with hot air or by conduction from a flame so that they produce a localised heat treatment. This is known as fire cupping or dry cupping. Fire cupping is often combined with the use of medicinal herbs placed inside the vacuum suction cups before application to the skin area.
Research articles indicate that cupping therapy relieves pain by releasing endorphins. However, a recent study in Germany found that the pain relief was due to an increase in blood flow to the area under the cup, with no evidence of other changes. Further research is necessary to prove that the positive effects are associated with the therapy rather than being a placebo effect. Some articles indicate that cupping therapy boosts the immune system of people by creating artificial local inflammation, activating the complementary system, and leading to the secretion of immune products. Cupping has also been shown to relieve muscle tension by stretching tight muscles as well as the adhesions of connective tissue. Additionally, studies indicate that the therapy increases blood circulation to the skin areas exposed to the cup, leading to cell repair. It is often used as a preliminary therapy before acupuncture, especially for those who have difficulty with the needling process. The massage therapist may also light a small number of herbs inside the cup and use it as a localised heating treatment. This is called dry or fire cupping therapy. Some practitioners create the suction by using a rubber pump instead of heat in the cup. For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine has linked various parts of the body to specific internal organs. Cupping therapy is believed to influence these internal organs through the meridians (the body's network of energy pathways) that pass directly over muscles and skin. It is said to be particularly beneficial for problems in related parts of the body, such as a sore back due to issues with the kidneys.
A small amount of pain is sometimes experienced when cupping first begins. This is caused by skin stretching and the breaking of blood vessels under the skin due to the cup. The amount of discomfort can be controlled by moving or rotating the cups so that they come off sooner or are removed completely, although this may affect the therapeutic benefits obtained from the treatment. In case of any concerns, it is recommended to seek the advice of a professional practitioner. Experts can also be consulted to help one choose the most appropriate treatment plan among the available types.
Cupping may cause skin injuries such as bruising, which may result in skin infections. This occurs when the blood vessels underneath the skin break at the point where they are clamped by the cupping glass. Although this may be temporary, in rare instances it can become a longstanding problem. The healing process may be disturbed in areas that have been treated with cupping, as the body attempts to repair any damage. Patients should look out for any adverse symptoms and contact their therapist for advice.
Some people may be allergic to the materials used in cupping. There is also a risk of skin infection at the site where the skin has been broken.
Cupping techniques should be avoided if you are pregnant or have underlying health conditions such as bleeding problems for safety purposes. Although it is generally regarded as being safe for use on anyone, including children, there is limited research evidence that confirms this and so parents may want to err on the side of caution.
A typical cupping therapy session lasts for around 20 minutes and involves up to 10 cups being applied simultaneously over specific areas of the body known as acupoints by the practitioner. The number of sessions required depends upon the individual's symptoms and the problems being treated, as well as the type of cupping the patients prefer. Typical sessions include the treatment of upper and lower back pain, shoulder stiffness and knee problems. The healing process varies from one patient to another.
Some studies suggest that cupping is effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, including neck and back pain. Massage therapists have used cupping as a complementary therapy for rheumatic diseases (disorders affecting joints such as osteoarthritis). There is currently not enough evidence to recommend cupping as a sole form of treatment, but it may work when used alongside other treatments, such as acupuncture or medication. While cupping may provide some temporary relief from symptoms by boosting blood flow and reducing inflammation, it should not be thought of as having long term benefits for conditions caused by muscle overuse or weakness. People should use the practice in moderation and in combination with other alternatives.