What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is an ancient type of therapy for healing of body and for prevention from many diseases. It is known to be the most effective way to extract toxins from your body. It includes healing of, but not limited to, migraines, cervical, infertility, acute backache, relaxation, inflammation amongst many others.
It is done by trained therapists who usually use glass/plastic cups for suction. Over the years, it has become quite a trend however, in the ancient times primarily in China, Egypt and Middle East; it was the foremost form of applied medicine.
Research had shown to prove that cupping is beneficial in removing toxins by stimulation of immune response. It has an overall positive impact on lymphatic system, which is your gut. It stimulates the blood flow in your body. Cupping is a safe treatment which is tried and tested, that helps to ease chronic muscle tightness and pain faster.
Simultaneously, multiple cups can be applied over parts of the body for 5 – 10 minutes each, to increase the blood flow and get a better result. It is advised against people who use blood thinners on a regular basis. Some practitioners also not advise cupping to people with skin ulcer, thinning of skin and/or an internal organ disorder.
What is massage therapy with cupping?
In massage therapy with cupping, the tissues and skin are lifted up rather than compressing. This eventually leaves a red circular mark on the body which indicate the releasing of toxins. It may feel a bit tight ad uncomfortable during the session but it cannot be categorized as painful. Massage cupping is either done with silicone cups or glass.
What are the benefits of cupping?
Cupping is a treatment that is done in deep tissue. The suction of the cups pulls the rigid tissues only to release them, making them more relaxed by loosening of muscles. Research has also shown that it helps in stimulating the nervous system which works wonderfully in easing pain and relief from some, not all, diseases.
The suction also helps in blood flow which helps in draining and releasing stagnant fluids. It has shown results in easing joint stiffness, promoting metabolism, improving skin condition, reducing anxiety and scars, in the stimulation of varicose and spider veins, clearing congestion and treating colon blockages. However, cupping is not limited to the aforementioned benefits as it ranges to many more which are proven by the science of today.
What are the different types of cupping?
There are two main types of cupping therapy.
- Dry cupping Therapy:
It is mainly done with rubber or plastic cups to increase the blood flow. Before starting, lotion is applied on the skin for the cup to glide over in order to provide deep tissue massage.
- Wet/Bleeding cupping Therapy
In this process, the therapist puts the cup on the body for suction, limiting to 2 minutes. Then the therapist puts tiny cuts with a small scalpel only to put the suction cup again. This way the toxins in the tissues are pulled out, giving the body instant relief. There is at least one study that suggests wet cupping is good for the kidneys.
What are the side effects of cupping?
There are no particular side effects noticed post the cupping session expect for slight itchiness on the affected area. However, the cup marks (initially red) they turn to look like bruises, that don’t ache. Some people have complained of dizziness or light headedness for a short period of time. In very rare cases, patients have also experience nausea and/or sweating.
It is advised by many therapists to apply pure olive oil on the cupped areas for reduced itchiness and quick healing. In extreme cases, practioners have also recommended antibiotics, cream and oral.
Does cupping remove toxins?
Research is ongoing but there have been quite a few studies that have shown positive literature for cupping. According to a study in 2019, cupping shows improvement in the stimulation of blood flow and stretches underlying tissues. This stimulation helps in removing toxins.
What should I expect during a cupping treatment?
The first thing that needs consideration is hygiene. It is imperative for the therapist to be using sterilized utensils as it may result in infections and other diseases. In many cases, it is advised to fast 2 to 3 hours prior the session for better results.
During the session, the practitioner should note down a detailed investigation of your medical history. Keeping that in mind, the number of cups and treatment will be finalized. Moving on, the cups will be placed on the areas needed for the suction phase to begin. Once done, tiny cuts will be done on the skin for the cups to be attached again. This is when the toxins and blood is extracted. During this time, the body relaxes and in many instances can doze off.
The cups are left on the body for a few minutes or till the blood flow doesn’t stop. The cups are then removed, leaving circular marks on the body. These marks do not last for more than a week and do not hurt.
However, before starting the session, it is best to discuss the type of cupping that you prefer
Conclusion
Cupping goes centuries back with many people till swearing by it. In today’s modern world and the rise of technology, cupping is still trending. For a treatment to last this long, there has to be logic to it and that is simple.
People have found solace in it with their pain vanishing and body relaxing. Even though the ways are still in consideration with the scientists, there are some studies supporting it.
The suction of the tissues and stagnant blood, stimulates and increases the blood flow which helps in feeling refreshed and active, along with the many other benefits. If not the sole treatment, it can definitely work as a supporting treatment to many diseases.