Cupping aims to draw 'bad blood' outwards away from internal organs and tissues towards the skin's surface to promote wellness.
Cupping therapy is a type of alternative medicine that originated from the ancient Chinese. Cupping treatment involves creating a suction on the patient's skin, often to release muscle tension or to increase circulation in blood vessels, as well as encourage cell repair.
Studies indicate that cupping therapy is generally done by a technician placing silicone cups on the target area and then creating suction using either heat (known as fire cupping), or pump devices (known as mechanical cupping).
It is believed that this treatment plan offers people several benefits such as improving blood circulation, promoting detoxification in the body, reducing back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain, as well as relieve muscle spasms. The cupping procedure involves placing cups on the skin, which results in a slight suction effect that pulls out toxins as well as loosening muscles and tissues. One cupping procedure may last for up to 15 minutes.
It is believed that the Chinese use cupping services to treat a long list of conditions including arthritis, headache, muscle tension and fatigue. However, some health experts feel that there isn't enough scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of cups for treatment purposes.Cupping aims to draw 'bad blood' outwards away from internal organs and tissues towards the skin's surface to promote wellness. The suction practice also helps relieve pain through increased blood flow around problem areas on the body which improves overall health. It has been compared to massage therapy, though the mechanisms are quite different.
Cupping works by eliminating the energy blockages that often interrupt the flow of healthy energy
Health News such as Medical News Today indicate that this traditional Chinese practice can involve two main types, that is wet cupping or dry cupping. Wet cupping comprises of the acupuncturist starting with puncturing the skin before the suction to enhance healing.
Evidence suggests that the practice offers great efficacy and safety as an intervention that relieves musculoskeletal discomfort.Cupping may help improve blood flow to the skin, increase blood volume in the limbs and stimulate tissue regeneration. It is also thought that the cup can help detoxify the body by removing metabolic waste and dead cells from the body's tissues through the skin.
Cupping techniques aim at to removing toxins from the body and blood by targeting key organs like liver, kidney and lungs in a different way from conventional medicine. By selecting certain points on the patient's skin, the cupping therapist can help stimulate these organs. This may also promote lymphatic drainage which removes waste products from tissues while promoting circulation at the same time. It is said that cups can help relieve neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain along with restoring balance.
Some people may feel a slight discomfort while cupping as blood vessels are being drawn to the skin's surface. For some patients, muscle soreness can occur for up to two days after a treatment. However, it's important that practitioners check if the patient is comfortable throughout the session and do not overdo it. According to research through randomised clinical trials, there should be no pain involved with this therapy as when veins or arteries are intact and healthy they have their natural elasticity. The removal of excess blood during cupping will cause a small amount of temporary bruising which is normal and quite harmless.
Research and health news show that cupping therapy is most beneficial for musculoskeletal pain. Studies also point to the fact that the cup can help improve blood flow in patients who have undergone orthopaedic surgeries. However, larger studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of cupping therapy in other conditions, taking into account that some findings might result from the placebo effect. Cupping should not be used as a substitute for conventional medicine and it is advisable that patients discuss it with their doctor before undergoing this treatment.
As long as you have not suffered from any injuries or serious illnesses, the effects of cupping can remain within your body for months. As far as pain relief is concerned, most people who have undergone a cupping session will start to feel the benefits soon after their treatment. Cupping therapy is recommended for use no more than two times a week. Overuse of the cup can result in complications such as damage to the blood vessels, bruising and swelling, which may lead to skin infections, in which case one should consult a doctor. It has proved to be an effective method for healing various conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and high blood pressure.
After the cupping therapy, patients may experience some redness on the skin and a little swelling around the area. However, this is not something to worry about as it's perfectly normal. While getting cupped is relatively safe and doesn't have any side effects, you should consult with your healthcare practitioner before undergoing treatment for advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Cupping should not hurt you in any way so if there are side effects after a session, it may have been overzealous on the part of your therapist rather than a typical response. Some people may also suffer any minor symptoms such as bruising due to vasodilation and broken capillaries caused by excessive suctioning during cupping treatment, which calls for safety precautions. Minor pain or tightness is also another possible result from cupping therapy so if you're sensitive to these sensations, speak with your doctor about your personal experiences for medical advice diagnosis.
As long as the marks on the skin are not a cause for concern, it's normal to have some discolouration on your skin due to the use of silicone cups. You may experience redness along with slight swelling and discomfort in the affected area. It is recommended to allow your body to heal naturally after cupping therapy. Discolouration arising from the cups can last anywhere from several hours up to two days so if you plan on having another session within this time period, be sure to tell your practitioner about it. Besides the minor negative effects, cupping therapy is a treatment that people generally find agreeable and pain free.