Debunked: How Does Cupping Work

People are becoming more aware of alternative treatments and looking for non-pharmaceutical pain management choices. One of the many alternative treatment options is Cupping Therapy. It is an ancient method currently used in the treatment of a broad range of medical conditions with the use of different cupping therapy equipment. It has been around for thousands of years and has origins in ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicine. However, despite its current popularity, some people, are still skeptical about cupping’s effectiveness or the conditions it treats.

What is cupping?

Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) procedure for removing stagnation and stimulating qi flow (chi). According to TCM, pain and sickness are caused by qi and blood stagnation. If the free flow of vital energy in the body and the world around us is disrupted or disturbed, it can result in stagnation (blockages) or imbalances in the body.

Cupping stimulates qi and blood circulation in the treated area, reducing edema, discomfort, and stress. Cupping is traditionally used to treat lung disorders like cough, bronchial congestion, and asthma. It is also traditionally used for paralysis, digestive complaints, and pain.

How does cupping work?

Cupping involves placing cups at certain points on a person’s skin. It involves creating a suction force to pull blood into the skin. Toxins are removed by drawing impurities to the surface. The cups used for cupping come in different shapes and sizes. Glass is the most popular material for cups. The first cups used for cupping were made of bamboo, clay, or animal horns.

A cup is placed on the skin and then heated or suctioned onto it during cupping therapy. Alcohol, herbs, or paper placed directly into the cup are frequently used to heat the cup with fire. Before placing the cups, massage oil is administered to the skin, allowing the cups to slide effortlessly over the skin’s surface.

Difference between wet cupping and dry cupping

Cupping can either be dry or wet. With dry cupping, suction is applied to the skin for several minutes, sometimes it is combined with massage, acupuncture, or other alternative therapies. Wet cupping is similar to dry cupping except that blood is removed by making small cuts in the skin. Depending on your medical condition and preferences, your practitioner will help determine what method of cupping is best to use.

Is cupping safe?

Cupping is a safe therapeutic option for most individuals and can be used in conjunction with other treatments. If you’re considering acupuncture, it is crucial, like with all therapies, to see someone who has been properly trained and licensed. Instead of acupuncture needles, acupuncturists choose different types of cupping based on their treatment goals. A typical course of treatment consists of four to six sessions spaced three to ten days apart.