What is cupping therapy?

Cupping is one of the oldest known treatments for medical ailments. Throughout history, cupping techniques have been practiced in Ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Korean, Tibetan, and Latin American cultures, all of which have served the purpose of supporting the body’s ability to heal itself.

Many Taoists believe that cupping helps balance yin and yang, or the negative and positive, within the body. Restoring balance between these two extremes is thought to help with the body’s resistance to pathogens as well as its ability to increase blood flow and reduce pain.

Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This may relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue.

How cupping therapy works

Modern cupping is often performed using glass cups that are rounded like balls and open on one end. During treatment, a cup is placed on the skin and then heated or suctioned onto the skin. The cup is often heated with fire using alcohol, herbs, or paper that’s placed directly into the cup. The fire source is removed, and the heated cup is placed with the open side directly on your skin.

When the hot cup is placed on your skin, the air inside the cup cools and creates a vacuum that draws the skin and muscle upward into the cup. Your skin may turn red as the blood vessels respond to the change in pressure.

With dry cupping, the cup is set in place for a set time, usually between 5 and 10 minutes. With wet cupping, cups are usually only in place for a few minutes

After the cups are removed, the practitioner may cover the previously cupped areas with ointment and bandages. This helps prevent infection. Any mild bruising or other marks usually go away within 10 days of the session.

Electric cupping

Electric cupping involves several cups placed on the body at one time to stimulate muscles and nerves. It is most effective for targeting specific points, usually in cases of muscle pain.

Who is cupping therapy for?

Cupping therapy promotes healing and is typically used in the treatment of sore muscles, but that’s only the beginning. Researchers have found that cupping therapy may help with the following conditions:

Back and neck pain
Skin diseases such as acne and hives
Migranes
Knee arthritis
Lumbar disc herniation
Shingles
Improving immune function

Cupping therapy is an ancient medical practice which has been around for thousands of years for a variety of common medical problems. Current evidence suggests that cupping may be very effective in treating common chronic painful conditions. If you’re interest in cupping therapy or want to know if it is right for you, contact the Rosan clinic for more information.