Cupping Benefits: An Evidence-Based Health Analysis
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Jun 11, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Jun 11, 2024Table of Contents
Cupping therapy is gaining more attention. Many people hope to find help for their health issues from this traditional method. For years, people around the world have used it. In this article, we will explore what cupping is, its history, potential benefits, various techniques, and possible side effects. Lastly, we will answer some frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
It’s an old practice. It involves putting suction cups on the skin. To get the blood flowing better. It may help you recover and find relief from tense muscles. This method began in China. Today, it’s used in many countries.
People have used cupping therapy for ages. It began in Egypt, China, and Greece. An old Egyptian document (1550 B.C.) mentions cupping. Also, Hippocrates, the Ancient Greek ‘father of medicine’ wrote about it. Cupping has grown and changed over time. Now, it’s part of many traditional methods. These include Unani, Korean, Tibetan, and, of course, Chinese medicine.
Cupping is simple process. It involves making a suction on the skin using cups. The cups can be made of glass, bamboo, ceramic, or plastic. The suction may aid blood flow and reduce pain. Many believe that cupping may help balance life energies (yin and yang). This might boost overall health and well-being.
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You might think cupping is peculiar. But recent research is discovering its possible benefits. That said, these studies have limitations. We need more robust studies before we can confirm it works for sure.
Tests on cupping are still being carried out. A 2017 study found that it may help improve blood flow in the areas where the therapy is applied. It might also lift the immune system, reduce swelling, and ease pain. Another study in 2018 had similar results. These studies are just the start. They give us clues about how cupping might improve health. But we’ll need more high-standard research studies to prove its function.
While some evidence is on the table, we still need careful testing in this field. We need to know more about how it works and where it could help. Always remember to not discontinue your regular doctor visits. Cupping can be an extra, not a replacement, for allopathic health care.
Cupping therapy has grown and changed over time. Now, there are many types to pick from. Your requirements will decide which one is right for you.
Dry cupping is the most-used type. In this method, a cup is put on the skin. Suction is created within the cup without making any cuts or drawing blood out. For the suction, heat or a suction device may be used. This sucks up the skin and tissues below it into the cup. It’s believed to improve blood flow, lessen muscle tension, and aid tissue repair.
On the other hand, wet cupping, also known as bleeding cupping, involves drawing blood out. It starts like dry cupping, but then small cuts are made on the skin. When the cup is placed back, some blood is drawn out. The idea is that taking out some blood might help get rid of toxins from the body. But keep in mind that you need a licensed healthcare professional to do wet cupping. Also, another important factor to remember is the maintenance of asepsis. As a cut is being made on the skin, it is very important to use sterilised instruments and maintain highest level of asepsis.
Fire cupping uses glass cups and a flame to create suction. Firstly, a fire-lit cotton ball soaked in alcohol is put quickly into the cup then removed. When the air inside the cup cools down, it creates a vacuum. The cup is then placed on the skin fast, making the well-known suction mark. Fire cupping is not as popular nowadays. It’s often replaced with methods using manual or machine-made suction.
This is also called gliding cupping. First, oil is applied to the skin. Then the cups are suctioned in place. The worker then gently moves the cups over the skin. This is like massage and aims to improve blood flow, lessen muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Knowing what to expect in a cupping therapy can help you decide if it’s right for you.
Before starting, make sure to let your worker know about any health issues or medicines you’re taking. It may be a good idea to avoid eating heavy meals 2-3 hours before your session.
In a cupping session, the worker will place cups on certain spots on your skin. These spots depend on what you need the therapy for. The cups will create suction. You’ll feel a sucking sensation and some pressure. Sessions may last from 5-10 minutes for dry and flash cupping types. For wet cupping or mixed sessions like those involving acupuncture, they may last up to an hour.
Once you’re done with cupping, you might see redness and circle-shaped marks on your skin. They are normal and will fade within a week. There shouldn’t be any big discomfort after the session.
The circular marks are made by broken capillaries under the skin. The colour might vary based on your skin type and suction strength. Although they might seem scary at first, but remember that these marks typically fade within 7 days after your session.
Many believe in cupping and say that it can help with different issues. And some science supports these beliefs. In this section, we’ll discuss some ways in which cupping might help.
Lots of people say cupping relieves muscle pain. For this reason, athletes and active people quite like it. It increases blood flow to the areas where therapy is applied and is said to speed up cell repair. Also, studies do show promise, saying that it may help with fibromyalgia, lower back pain, neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. More research is needed to corroborate these findings.
Cupping might improve skin issues like acne and shingles. It may also ease related pain. It does this through improving local blood flow and maybe reducing swelling.
Some studies suggest that cupping may help reduce the pain and frequency of headaches and migraines. We’ll need more tests before we can be sure.
More research must be done to prove it, but cupping might improve the immune system, stimulate inflammation locally, and promote toxin removal. These effects may aid overall health.
As for how cupping might remove toxins, it’s not very clear. But cupping might do this by stimulating the immune response and lowering uric acid buildup. Lastly, cupping might stimulate the lymphatic system. This would help get rid of waste from the body. More research is needed to corroborate these findings.
There’s not much scientific evidence, but many people who have tried cupping say it relaxes them, eases stress, and improves sleep. Cupping might indeed offer a sense of calm and well-being by boosting blood flow and having a relaxing impact like massage.
Facial cupping is a special form of cupping. It focuses only on the face. It’s proposed to rejuvenate and relax your skin, offering distinct benefits and precautions.
Although facial cupping shares some basic principles with body cupping, it does differ in a few ways. For one, it uses smaller, softer cups fit for your face. The suction is gentler and carefully draws up the skin and muscles without leaving any deep bruises. This method may help blood circulation, stimulate collagen production, and boost facial tissue repair, without leaving any marks.
Those who carry out facial cupping say it gives many benefits. These include:
More research is needed to corroborate these claims.
As with any skincare management, facial cupping may have some potential risks like redness, irritation, or discomfort during the session. It’s best to speak to a qualified therapist before trying facial cupping. It’s especially important if you have sensitive skin, active acne, or a history of skin reactions.
Even though cupping therapy is generally seen as safe, there might be some side effects and risks during or straight after the process. Knowing this and speaking with a qualified professional, can keep these at a minimum.
After cupping therapy, you might see round bruises where the cups were. These change colour based on the person who is undergoing the therapy and how much suction was used. They are caused by small blood vessels that rupture and usually fade away within a week after therapy.
Aside from temporary cupping marks, other possible side effects and risks include:
For people with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, sunburn, or open wounds, it is advisable to avoid cupping therapy.
To reduce the risks tied to cupping therapy, always speak with a trained and certified person. They should explain the process, tackle any health concerns, and keep a clean, sterile place. Open talk during the therapy allows them to change the suction strength or stop the process if you feel uncomfortable or face any bad side effects. It is also advisable for you to discuss with your doctor before going for this therapy. Your doctor can guide you and determine if you are suited for this therapy.
Today, many cupping sets can be bought on the market. Because of this, many consider trying this at home.
It’s not so clear. If you’re new to this, you might find it hard not to bruise yourself or apply the cups evenly. Therefore, discuss with a professional therapist for advice before trying cupping at home.
If you still want to try cupping at home, make sure you select the right equipment. Discuss with a professional for advice on trusted cupping kits and learn about the different materials and sizes of cups.
When choosing who to go to for cupping, make sure they are good. Check their training, credentials, and certificates. Ask about how they keep things clean and safe. Choosing a licensed and experienced professional will ensure that you receive the best care and lower the possible risks tied to cupping therapy.
Cupping therapy is a unique mix of old culture and new health interest. While the science behind it is growing, we still need to explore how well it really works. Even though the evidence isn’t sufficient, many people say they feel better, have less pain, and feel better overall after cupping. So, if you’re thinking about trying cupping, remember to discuss with your doctor.
Many people around the world are eyeing cupping therapy. It offers a unique recovery experience. It mixes old wisdom with new medical knowledge. Trying this therapy might lead you to better health, more vitality, and overall wellness.
Some potential risks of cupping include changes in skin colour, scars, burns, infection, and discomfort. But these risks are greatly lessened when working with a qualified professional who follows safe practices.
You can generally follow your regular daily routine after a cupping session. However, you might want to avoid hard exercise or exposing the areas to which therapy is applied to bright sun until the cupping marks have gone away.
Cupping therapy should not replace any medical therapies prescribed by your healthcare professionals. Instead, you should use cupping as an extra option on top of your existing management plan to improve your overall well-being.
Cupping session length varies. Generally, it lasts between 5-10 minutes for dry and flash cupping. Wet cupping or mixed therapy sessions with acupuncture could last up to an hour or more, based on what the professional is aiming to do.
The number of sessions needed for the best results is down to you and you’re goal. Your therapist may suggest a plan of action at first. They could then make changes based on your progress or needs. Regular maintenance therapy could also be recommended for lasting benefits.
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