Cupping therapy – Types, Benefits and Side Effects 

Overview 

Cupping therapy is a procedure that uses cups which are placed over the skin to create negative pressure through the suction process.

The ancient practice of cupping therapy was practised throughout the world. Around 400 BC, Herodotus described wet and dry cupping as a cure for several diseases, including headaches, anorexia and poor digestion.

Cupping therapy is one of the oldest and most efficient ways to remove toxins from body tissue and organs.

It is also referred to as horn therapy, vacuum cupping and hijama cupping. The therapist uses specific cups on the skin to create suction during this procedure. Blood flow to the affected area is increased as a result of the tissue beneath the cup being drawn up, leading to swelling.

Increased blood flow beneath the cups pulls contaminants and toxins away from the adjacent tissues and organs and brings them to the surface for excretion.

Cupping therapy – Origin

The use of cupping therapy originated in ancient times and was widespread. Hippocrates recommended cupping for gynaecological issues, illnesses of the back and extremities, pharyngitis, lung infections and ear ailments. 

The renowned Egyptian papyrus Ebers made reference to cupping therapy in 1550 BC. The Mawangdui Silk writings from China mention cupping as a medical procedure (sealed in 168 BC). 

Also, ancient Europe employed cupping therapy. Celsus recommended cupping therapy in the first century AD for abscesses and removing the poison from bites. Aretaeus used wet cupping to treat cholera, ileus, epilepsy and prolapse of the uterus in the second century AD. 

Galen promoted cupping therapy and provided a list of various materials, including glass and brass, that could be used to make cups.

How does cupping work? 

The process of therapeutic cupping therapy involves warming and applying glass or plastic cups to the skin. When the cup is used to apply pressure to the skin, the vacuum formed by the warmed air inside the cup pulls the tissue into the cup.

It is believed that the technique stimulates healing as it improves blood flow and loosens connective tissue or fascia. This works similarly to a deep tissue massage and can be used to break up scar tissue and lessen pain. The cups are frequently applied to the shoulders, back and neck to relieve discomfort.

Cupping may be painful, depending on how much suction is produced by the vacuum and how much interior stagnation is present. When one edge of the cup is lifted, the vacuum and seal are broken, allowing air to enter.

Types of Cupping 

Sliding cups

The sliding cups technique is typically used to treat pain and muscle spasms in the back muscles. Before placing the cups, massage oil is given to the skin to make it easier for the cups to glide over the skin’s surface.

Air cupping

An alternative to fire cupping, called air cupping, uses a handheld suction pump to expel air from the cups and create a vacuum without the use of flame. This advancement in cupping technology makes patients feel more at ease.

Wet cupping

Wet cupping combines cupping with a method of acupuncture known as bleeding. Before applying the cup, the skin is pricked with a lancet to induce a tiny amount of blood flow from the area. This procedure is supposed to remove internal toxins. This method is employed to treat inflammatory disorders.

Flash cupping

Also known as empty cupping, this method is the rapid, repetitive application of cups with little retention. It eases local congestion and promotes movement across a larger area.

Different Cup Materials used are:

• Wooden or bamboo cups
• Fire glass or glass cups
• Hijama or plastic cups
• Suction cup or horn
• Face cups or silicon
• Nabhi pump. 

Cupping therapy technique

Dry cupping therapy is just a one-step process. Traditional wet cupping involves two steps—cupping and superficial skin scarification. The al-hijamah method of wet cupping involves three steps—cupping, superficial scarification and cupping.

According to a study on the impact of lunar phases on blood pressure, people with lower physical fitness indices had mean arterial blood pressure that was higher in the third lunar quarter. The scientists attributed the result to the moon’s gravitational pull and its potential impact on human cardiovascular function. 

Cups shouldn’t be on the skin for longer than 5 to 10 minutes. In 1 to 10 days, the cupping-related scars disappear. 

Suctioning

There are three methods—manual pumping, automatic pumping and the fire method—for generating the required negative pressure in the cups. The most often used technique in China for dry cupping is using fire to create a suction. 

In the fire method, a glass cup is ignited and then put over the proper anatomical spot on the skin after being cleaned with methylated spirits and lit.

Al-hijamah wet cupping uses honey to secure the cups and for scarification, both of which promote healing.

Benefits of Cupping 

Cupping therapy benefits by alleviating localised pain and muscular relaxation. 

Cupping might facilitate more blood flow to a specific muscle area or pain relief for athletes. Cupping was used by a lot of Olympians in Rio in 2016. The circular marks on few swimming team players’ made this prominent.

Additional benefits include:

• Boosts blood flow
• Organ rejuvenation
• Reduces pain and inflammation 
• It is a cheap, non-invasive and safe form of treatment
• Treats skin conditions like acne and eczema
• Used in deep tissue massage, relaxation and well-being
• Increases immune system strength and hastens the healing process
• It helps treat blood disorders such as anaemia and haemophilia
• Beneficial for rheumatoid conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia
• Treats high blood pressure
• Plays a role in anxiety, depression and migraines.

What conditions does Cupping therapy treat? 

Traditional cupping therapy is used to treat lung conditions like:

• Asthma
• Cough 
• Bronchial congestion.

It has also historically been used for

• Intestinal issues
• Discomfort
• Paralysis.

Indications 

Cupping therapy is recommended for both healthy individuals (as an anti-ageing or rejuvenation technique) and those who are sick. Headaches, lower back pain, neck discomfort and knee pain are examples of localised conditions that benefit from cupping therapy. 

Cupping therapy has been effective in treating systemic conditions like hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, Diabetes, mental health issues, heart problems and infections. It helps treat respiratory, musculoskeletal, digestive, reproductive and allergy problems and skin diseases.

Contraindications 

• Abscess
• Swelling
• Anaemia
• Pacemaker 
• Dry or cracked skin
• Wound or ulcer
• Joint dislocation
• Fractured bone
• Bleeding disorders
• Muscle wasting
• Patients under seven years old have an empty stomach and are afraid of blood or bleeding (for wet cupping).

Complications of Cupping

The risks associated with cupping therapy are generally low, and side effects are rare. The severity ranges from mild to moderate. Scarring, burns, the development of bullae, abscesses, skin infections, itchiness, anaemia and panniculitis are undesirable outcomes that can be prevented.

Adverse reactions that are unavoidable include 

• The Koebner phenomenon
• Headaches
• Vertigo
• Fatigue
• Vasovagal syncope
• Nausea 
• Sleeplessness.

Wet cupping is more likely to result in infections, vasovagal syncope and scarring.

Dry cupping typically causes localised erythema and ecchymosis.

Side effects of Cupping therapy 

Cupping is a low-risk therapy. Usually, the adverse effects happen during or right after the therapy. Sweating, nausea or feeling lightheaded or dizzy may occur.

Following treatment, the skin around the cup’s rim may itch and develop circular marks. If the practitioner uses the proper techniques for cleaning the skin and preventing infection before and after the session, infection risk after receiving cupping therapy can be reduced.

Common side effects include

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Headaches.
• Burns due to hot cups.
• Tension or ache in the muscles.
• Scarring, bruising, itching or skin infections.
• Blisters are second-degree burns that dry cups can inflict if used for an extended period of time.

Conclusion 

Cupping therapy is a special form of complementary therapy which involves applying cups to the skin. There are many different types and purposes for the cups that are used, including glass, bamboo, silicone and earthenware or clay. 

The cups are placed on the skin upside down, creating a suction that promotes healthier and more vigorous blood circulation. 

The body’s overall health benefits from enhanced blood flow. It can also promote the healing of different body areas for various ailments. Although cupping therapy is firmly regarded as effective, make sure only to use it in combination with other traditional treatment options.

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