Cupping Therapy: Advantages, Negative Reactions, and More
Currently, a variety of medical issues are treated using the alternative therapeutic technique known as cupping therapy. To improve blood flow
and promote healing in the injured areas, this treatment includes applying specific cups to the patient's skin. Even though cupping therapy has been used for centuries in numerous nations, it is now poorly understood and investigated.
In this post, we will examine cupping therapy's definition, several variations, potential health advantages, and application in further detail.
In This Article
- What Is Cupping Therapy?
- Types Of Cupping Therapy
- How To Do Cupping Therapy
- 6 Potential Health Benefits Of Cupping Therapy
- Possible Side Effects
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
A traditional kind of medicine called cupping therapy was developed in China. Cupping massage therapy, often referred to as Hijama cupping or hoover cupping, has been used by several Asian, Middle Eastern, and South American cultures all over the world. The method's proponents contend that cupping stimulates the body's & quot; Qi, & quot; or life force, flow. Additionally, they assert that it
restores the harmony between the positive (yin) and negative (yang) energies in
the body, enabling it to combat pathogens and lessen discomfort.
Several Forms Of Cupping Treatment
Suction cup therapy was first practised using animal horns. With time, native materials from the
area, including bamboo, pottery, silicone, metal, and plastic, were included into cupping
procedures. Round glass cups with one open end are used in contemporary cupping therapy.
These are the two main varieties of cupping therapy used today.
Understanding Cupping Treatment
Depending on your physical condition, the cupping therapist will decide how many sessions you
will need. Before choosing the treatment, let your therapist know if you have a history of
medical issues. Each session lasts roughly 20 minutes and is held in the sequence listed below
(1).
1)The practitioner chooses particular places for cupping and cleans the affected areas.
2)The cups are filled with herbs or alcohol by the therapist, who then sets them on fire.
3)These are laid on your skin upside down after the fire has been put out.
4)The skin rises and becomes redder as a result of the suction created when the air inside the
cups cools.
5)Three to five minutes are spent with the cups on your skin.
6)Before making tiny cuts on the skin with a needle or blade in wet cupping, the therapist must
complete all the processes of dry cupping.
7)Once more, the cups are applied to the skin, and a small amount of blood is taken.
8)The cups are maintained for three to five days.
9) The targeted locations are cleaned and bandaged once the cups have been removed in order
to prevent infection.
6) potential advantages of cupping therapy for health
Several medical disorders may benefit from cupping therapy, according to a recent study.
1. Pain-related Conditions – Pain management techniques such as cupping have been around
for a while. According to 2011 research, dry cupping therapy may be superior to standard
medication therapy for treating lower back pain (2). In accordance with additional research,
cupping therapy may lessen neck discomfort, chronic back pain, and migraines, and generally
enhance the quality of life (3), (4). (5).
Related: 10 Natural Sciatica Treatments to Ease Lower Back Pain
2. Skin Conditions - According to a 2012 analysis, cup treatment may be crucial for treating
skin disorders like herpes zoster, hives, skin irritation, and acne (6). (7).
Related Articles: 10 Home Treatments For Hives
3. Fibromyalgia - The management of fibromyalgia, a disorder marked by widespread
musculoskeletal pain and tiredness, may be aided by cupping therapy. A study was done to
evaluate if cupping therapy affected fibromyalgia patients' symptoms and quality of life. The
patients reported a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in their quality of life
after receiving cupping treatments for 18 days (8).
4. Wrist Tunnel Sickness - A 2019 study looked at the impact of cup therapy on those who had
the nerve disorder carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes tingling and pain in the arm. In
conjunction with physical therapy, the study found that cupping therapy reduced the
intensity of the symptoms (9).
Possible Side Effects
The following adverse effects have been observed during or after the session, despite the
the fact that cup suction is generally regarded as safe when managed by a qualified medical
professional (13).
- Bruises
- Scarring processes
- Nausea
- Pain at the cupping spot
- Burn \Anemia
- Dizziness
- potential infection at the incisional locations
- Before choosing this treatment, those with the following conditions should use caution or
- consult a doctor (13).
- Psoriasis
- Bone fractures
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pregnancy
- Menstruation
- Chronic heart disease
- Ulcer
- History of stroke
- Hemophilia
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Suspicious lump
To Sum It Up
An age-old medicinal technique known as cupping therapy is used to treat a variety of
illnesses. While current research indicates that cup treatment may benefit those with
fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, hypertension, and skin disorders, additional
research is required to fully understand how it affects the body's health. Under the
supervision of a qualified practitioner, cupping therapy is generally safe, but you can have
some adverse effects after the session. See a doctor right away if you develop burns,
lightheadedness, bruising, nausea, or pain where the cup was placed.
Questions and Answers
1) How come cupping therapy hurts?
The act of cupping is not painful. Due to the suction of the cup, you can feel a little
skin tightness. The therapist will check to see if you're comfortable and pain-free,
nevertheless.
2) Does cupping release knots?
Indeed, cupping aids in the release of knots. It is a useful method for softening scar
tissues, lowering edema, and releasing tight muscles.
3) What to anticipate the following cupping?
After cupping, you could suffer certain negative side effects, such as fatigue. Round
markings on the skin that resemble bruises may also be seen. They will disappear in a
few days or weeks.
