Cupping

Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy in which evacuated glass cups are applied to intact or scarified skin in order to create suction. It was originally performed with animal horns. Later, the “cups” were made from bamboo and then ceramic. Today cupping is administered using glass cups in a variety of sizes. The suction is created by various methods, using either heat or mechanical means to create a partial vacuum, which draws blood and other fluids closer to the surface of the skin allowing the body to rid itself of toxins.

Types

There are different methods of cupping, including:

• Dry cupping- During a dry cupping procedure, practitioner places the cup over the area to be treated. When the hot cup is placed on the skin, the air inside the cup cools and creates a vacuum that draws the skin and muscle upward into the cup. This method draws blood and fluid away from any inflamed area to the surface of the skin.
• Wet cupping- Wet cupping is also called hijama. During a wet cupping session, small scratches are made to the surface of the skin with a sterile blade after dry cupping has been performed for 3-5 minutes. The cup is prepared once again and applied to the affected area to draw out some of the blood. It can take up to ten days for the patient’s skin to return to normal after a wet cupping therapy session. It is important that the skin is cleaned before and after a wet cupping therapy session so that any risk of infection can be avoided.
• Massage cupping- Massage cupping is recognized as a form of massage therapy. During massage cupping, practitioner can move the cups around and glide them across the skin. Massage oil is applied to the skin prior to the cups being placed, which allows the cups to glide easily over the surface of the skin.

Procedure

A cupping practitioner first warms the cup before applying the cup to the patient’s back. The heat in the cup acts as a vacuum and pulls the skin upwards into the cup. This increases the blood flow in the area which can help get rid of toxins. The cup is usually left on between 5 and 10 minutes and then is removed. After the cups are removed, practitioner may apply ointment over the cupped area. This helps prevent infection. The cups are often placed on the back, neck, and shoulder. Cupping may cause temporary bruising and soreness, depending upon the degree of suction created by the vacuum. This will fade over the course of several days

Uses

Cupping is typically used for various types of pains, including-

• Lower back and Leg pain
• Shoulder and Neck tension
• Headaches
• Respiratory disorders, such as colds, flu and asthma
• Blood disorders like anemia, hemophilia
• Menstrual pains
• Digestive problems such as stomach aches, diarrhea, and vomiting

Contra indications

• People with cardiovascular disorders such as hemophilia should avoid cupping therapy.
• Pregnant women should only be cupped under careful supervision. Abdomen and lower back should be avoided.
• It is not recommended for Individuals with bleeding disorders.
• Cupping should not be performed on areas of skin that have open wounds.

Benefits

Cupping provides both physical and mental benefits. Some of them are:

• Strengthens the immune system
• Provides relief from pain and inflammation
• Removes toxins and improves blood flow
• Reduces inflammation
• Cupping is also thought to be beneficial to those suffering from respiratory ailments such as colds, asthma, allergies, or bronchitis.

Risks/Side effects

There aren’t many side effects associated with cupping. However, some of the sides effects that patient may experience are:

• Mild discomfort
• Scars
• Burns
• Infections
• Sweating or nausea

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