What Is Cupping? Why Should Someone Get It Done?
Cupping!! Oh cupping! What a great therapy to experience! "Are those markings bruises??" The most common question I get asked besides "Does it hurt?" I love introducing people to cupping because it is an old therapy that is making itself well known across the U.S. This form of treatment is well known around the globe in many countries. Cupping dates back to about 3,000 years.
First documented in China and Egypt as one of many uses of medical practices. It was used to treat aliments such as digestion, pain, and menstrual issues. Being an ancient medical practice in other countries, the techniques have changed a bit with modern times. There are a few different aspects that are looked at and treated. For many, this therapy is intimidating due to the markings that are left once the cups are removed. However, there are several reasons as to why this form of treatment and those "intimidating" markings are actually great signs of a successful treatment.
What is cupping?
When the cups are removed there are typically circular marks that vary in color from pink to purplish-black. This gives the practitioner an idea of how the body is currently functioning. The different colors of the spots signify different meanings such as pain, muscle tension, and excess toxins. The lighter the color the better the blood circulation is flowing and less tense the muscles are. The darker spots indicate a few areas that need more focus and possibly toxins and slow moving blood need to be released. Typically, the spots with the darker colors are the areas that have the most pain or discomfort. The marking are used as a form of clues during the treatment process to really know how to target with the best approach.
1) Detox the Body
As mentioned above, cupping therapy helps to detoxify the muscles. By releasing the toxins and impurities, we are able to increase the efficiency of our body systems. The body is constantly working to filter out the waste products that are accumulated with each necessary biological process. When this happens, we begin to feel better, move better, have more energy, and better protected with our immune systems.
2) Improve Blood Circulation
Cupping is great to increase blood flow. When the dark color circles appear after the cups are removed this indicates that blood isn't moving as well as it should within the muscle fibers. However, when we feel the effects of cupping, the blood is then filtered through the body's detox process and is reused as "clean" blood. We want this process to occur. Blood that is stuck causes pain, lactic acid build up, and the muscles feel stiff. So when blood begins to flow freely it allows new blood to move in and nourish the necessary areas with nutrients, water, plasma, etc.
3) Decreases Inflammation and Swelling
Getting rid of all the nasty built up stuff and increasing the blood circulation, the amount of inflammation within the body is reduced. The inflammatory cells are able to work more efficiently to move out the dead cells and start healing. This goes hand in hand with the detox process which also reduces swelling by eliminating extra fluid that increases during the inflammatory response.
4) Increase Joint Mobility
Along with reducing inflammation and swelling, as well as improving blood flow, cupping helps to increase joint mobility. When the cups are placed around the muscles that surround the joints, the muscles are able to release. This allows the joints to move freely within their normal range of motion.
5) Boosts Immune System
Cupping has long been used as a treatment during times of colds and flu. It is one of the go-to treatments within my practice to assist the healing process when my patients feel a cold coming on, when asthma increases or during seasonal allergies. Cupping filters out the bad stuff to allow the good stuff to get where it needs to go. Improving the overall rhythm of the immune system.
6) Relaxation & Reducing Stress
Cupping therapy is a whole experience in itself. It truly is a great way to assist your body's healing and to get rid of all the waste that builds up on a daily basis.
Cupping: Ancient Therapy, Modern Benefits
Cupping therapy, an age-old practice that's recently surged in popularity, involves placing heated cups on the skin to create suction. This suction draws the skin and superficial muscle layer into the cup, creating a localized area of low pressure. While it might look a little unusual, cupping offers a range of potential benefits, making it a valuable addition to many wellness routines.
The History and How It Works:
Cupping has roots in various ancient cultures, including Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views cupping as a way to stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) and remove stagnation.
Modern research suggests that cupping's benefits may stem from:
- Increased Blood Flow: The suction created by cupping draws blood to the treated area, promoting circulation and tissue repair.
- Reduced Muscle Tension: Cupping can help to release muscle knots and tension, relieving pain and stiffness.
- Lymphatic Drainage: The suction may also stimulate lymphatic drainage, helping to remove toxins and waste products from the body.
- Pain Relief: Cupping can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
Potential Benefits of Cupping:
- Pain Management: Cupping is often used to relieve back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
- Muscle Recovery: Athletes may use cupping to reduce muscle soreness and promote faster recovery after exercise.
- Reduced Inflammation: By increasing blood flow and lymphatic drainage, cupping may help to reduce inflammation.
- Stress Reduction: The relaxing effects of cupping can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
- Improved Skin Health: Some people find that cupping can improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
- Respiratory Conditions: In TCM, cupping has been used to treat respiratory conditions like coughs and asthma, though more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Types of Cupping:
- Dry Cupping: Involves placing cups on the skin without any prior incision.
- Wet Cupping: Involves making small, superficial incisions on the skin before applying the cups, allowing a small amount of blood to be drawn out.
- Moving Cupping: Involves applying oil to the skin and then moving the cups along the body.
- Fire Cupping: Uses heat to create the suction inside the cup.
What to Expect During a Cupping Session:
- A practitioner will typically apply the cups to specific areas of your body, depending on your condition.
- You may feel a slight pulling or tightness in the area where the cups are placed.
- The cups are usually left in place for 5-15 minutes.
- After the cups are removed, you may have circular marks on your skin, which are typically painless and fade within a few days.
Important Considerations:
- Cupping should be performed by a qualified and licensed practitioner.
- Cupping is not recommended for everyone, including pregnant women, people with bleeding disorders, or those with certain skin conditions.
- Be sure to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your practitioner before undergoing cupping therapy.
- The dark circular marks left by cupping are not bruises, but rather the result of blood being drawn to the surface of the skin.
Cupping therapy offers a promising approach to pain relief, muscle recovery, and overall wellness. If you're considering cupping, consult with a qualified practitioner to determine if it's right for you.