What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping is a therapy in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction which helps better healing and adequate blood flow. It has roots back in china.
Ge Hong, a Taoist alchemist, and a herbalist, was the first to practice it. According to Chinese people, it helps in getting an adequate flow of ‘Qi’ in the body. Qi is a Chinese word which means life force. Also, it is believed that cupping can help in maintaining the positive and negative energy balance in the body.
The mechanism of cupping is that there is an increased blood flow to the cupped areas in the body. This helps in relieving the muscle tension and enhances the ability of the cells to repair.
When Can Cupping Be Used?
People use cupping therapy as their basic body care. Apart from that, it can also help in treating various diseases. Most commonly it is beneficial in conditions associated with muscles like muscle pain, etc. It can also be used in various acupressure points in the body and thus, various other conditions can also be managed like disorders of the skin, digestive tract, etc.
Studies have shown that cupping can also play a major role in treating the following conditions:
1. Shingles.
2. Acne or pimples.
3. Paralysis of the facial muscles.
4. Lumbar disk herniation.
6. Disorders of blood like anemia, hemophilia.
7. Gynecological disorders and infertility.
8. Migraines.
10. Hypertension or increased blood pressure.
11. Skin disorders like eczema.
12. Rheumatic disorders like fibromyalgia.
13. Depression.
14. Anxiety.
15. Varicose veins.
16. Respiratory disorders or bronchial congestion.
What Are the Various Types of Cupping?
The conventional or ancient mode of cupping was done using the horns of animals. Following that, bamboo was used to make the cups and now, we have cups made of ceramics for this purpose. The very currently performed method uses glass cups which are round in shape with an open end.
Following are the types of cupping being performed nowadays:
1. Dry Cupping: In this method, only suction is used.
2. Wet Cupping: In this method, medicinal bleeding can be added to suction therapy.
The type of cupping suitable for you depends on our physician and your medical condition.
Are There Any Side effects?
Most of the patients have not shown any serious side-effects and if there are any side-effects, it will appear during the treatment or immediately after that. The most commonly occurring side-effects are dizziness, sweating, or nausea during the treatment.
After the treatment is done, there may be a mark surrounding the margins of the cup in the skin, and may feel irritated. Along with this, there are possibilities of dizziness immediately after the session or pain in the incision sites.
There are very fewer chances of developing an infection after this therapy and it can be easily avoided by proper cleansing of the skin pre, during, and post the session.
Some other risks or side-effects are as follows:
1. Scars.
2. Bruising or hematoma.
3. Burns.
4. Mild pain or discomfort.
If you develop any of the above-mentioned symptoms during your therapy, contact your physician immediately.
Are Facial Cupping and Body Cupping the Same?
Both the above-mentioned terms share the same mechanism but there are some differences between the two. Facial cupping therapy focuses on the face and the cups used are small in size and are softer. They help in pulling the skin away from the deep layers of the face which helps in increasing the blood flow to the area and brings life to the skin. There are no marks of the rims of cups after this therapy on the face or layers of fascia. If regularly done, it helps in improving the complexion as well as reduces fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Body cupping focuses more on pain relief and can be therapeutic for various other body conditions.
Who Is Not Eligible for Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy, though has mild side-effects, is not recommended for all. The below-mentioned group of people should be more cautious or avoid it:
1. Children- It is not recommended for children below 4 years and older children should receive this therapy for very short durations.
2. Older People- The skin becomes more weak and fragile with aging. Also, elderly people may be on certain medications which can affect the therapy.
3. It should be avoided during menstruation.
4. Pregnant women should be cautious. You should avoid the therapy on your abdomen as well as on the back.
People with the following conditions should strictly avoid cupping therapy:
1. Those who are consuming blood thinners.
2. Those who have sunburns.
3. Those who have an injury or wound.
4. Anyone who has had a recent trauma.
5. If you have ulcerations in the skin.
6. If you have any internal organ disorder.
What Is Done During a Cupping Treatment?
When you visit your physician or a specialist trained for the same, an initial assessment will be done to check whether cupping is advisable for you and which type of cupping will be beneficial for you.
During the treatment, a cup will be placed on the skin. Following that, it will be heated or suctioned over the skin. The various materials used to heat the cups are herbs, alcohol, papers, etc. Once the cup gets heated, the open side of the cup is placed on your skin. Recently, suctioning is used more than heat. Rubber pumps are used to give the suctioning effect.
After the cup has cooled, a vacuum is created within the cup which pulls or sucks the skin and muscle within the cup. As there is a change in pressure, blood vessels will get attracted to that area and this might give redness to your skin.
Dry cupping involves the placement of a cup for nearly 5 to 10 minutes. Wet cupping involves the placement of the cup for a few minutes followed by removal of the cup and a small incision is made by the specialist to get blood.
Once the cups are removed, the treated area is covered using ointments and bandages to prevent any infection. Any hematoma or bruising or marks usually go away on its own within 7 to 10 days post the session.
Conclusion
Cupping is a placebo as well as a therapeutic procedure that relaxes your body as well as gives relief from pain but it is important to decide who and when the treatment is required. You can consult a specialist online to get more details on the same.
