You probably also experience various pains in your back, neck, and limbs at times, right? What do we do when we experience such pain? Some people take medicine, others apply oil, and some resort to physical therapy. Meanwhile, you may have seen athletes and actors with dark purple spots in circles here and there on their bodies. Many people call this 'cupping'. So, what exactly is this Cupping Therapy? Is it really a good treatment for pain? Are there no side effects? Today, let's talk about this precisely and simply.
So, what is Cupping Therapy?
Simply put, Cupping Therapy is a very old treatment method used to relieve pain. It involves placing specially designed cups on the painful areas of your body, such as your back, stomach, arms, and legs. Then, a vacuum, or suction force, is created inside the cup. Then, your skin is pulled up by that force.
This method originated in countries like China and West Asia. It is actually a treatment method that is thousands of years old. Some people also call it 'cup therapy' or 'suction cup therapy'.
What does this treatment actually do to the body?
Cupping therapy involves the gentle force of pulling the skin upwards, which increases blood flow to the area. It is also sometimes used to remove blood that has accumulated in certain areas of the body. People often use it to relieve pain . Some people also believe that it can help reduce the symptoms of certain chronic illnesses.
For example, some people use Cupping Therapy to relieve symptoms of the following conditions:
- Arthritis conditions, especially rheumatoid arthritis .
- Back pain, neck pain, knee and shoulder pain.
- Breathing difficulties such as asthma.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome .
- Digestive system diseases, for example (Irritable Bowel Disease - IBD) .
- Headaches and migraines.
- High blood pressure (Hypertension) .
How does this actually work?
In fact, experts are still researching how cupping can reduce pain. There isn't a lot of scientific research on this yet.
But, as it is now accepted, this is what happens. Due to the subtle force of the cup, fluids from the body are drawn into the area being treated. This force causes the very fine blood vessels under your skin, called capillaries , to expand slightly and break down slightly. Then, the body begins to heal the area itself. It directs a good, healthy blood supply to the area. This is believed to stimulate a natural healing process at the cellular level. For this reason, some believe that this process also removes toxins from the body.
What are the different methods of cupping therapy?
There are several methods of cupping. The procedure varies slightly depending on the method you choose. Your provider will place the cups on your body for a few minutes. In some treatments, the cups will be gently moved around the area, as if massaging it.
There are three main types of cupping methods.
| Treatment method | A simple explanation of how to do it |
|---|---|
| Dry Cupping | In this, the practitioner heats the inside of the cup. Traditionally, a cotton ball soaked in alcohol is set on fire, placed inside the cup, quickly removed, and placed on the skin. This creates a vacuum inside the cup, which pulls the skin upwards. In modern methods, a small device (suction device) is used to remove the air inside the cup, creating a vacuum. |
| Massage method (Running Cupping) | This is similar to dry cupping. However, before placing the cups, you apply an oil or lotion to your skin. Then, the cups are placed and moved slowly back and forth over the painful area. This is similar to a massage. |
| Wet / Bleeding Cupping | In this method, before placing the cups, the therapist gently scrapes your skin with a very fine needle. Then, when the cup is placed, a small amount of blood is added to the cup by that subtle force. Those who practice this method believe that toxins in the body are removed with this blood. |
Usually, between 3 and 5 cups are used at a time. But sometimes up to 7 can be used. If you use more than 7 cups, it is very rare.
What kind of cups do you use for this?
Most people use glass or plastic cups. However, there are also cups made of:
- Bamboo
- Ceramic
- Metal
- Silicone
What does it feel like after cupping?
After cupping, you may develop circular, dark red or purple spots on your body where the cups were placed. These are caused by the broken capillaries mentioned above. Although they may look like bruises at first glance, these are not actually bruises . There is no damage to the muscles here like with a normal bruise. These spots usually fade completely in a week or two.
Cupping therapy should not be painful. However, you may feel a slight tightness, as if the skin is being pulled. After the treatment, the areas may feel a little sore or bruised, but it should not be unbearable.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment?
Like any treatment method, cupping can have benefits as well as some risks.
| Possible benefits | Possible risks and side effects |
|---|---|
| Reduction of pain and swelling. | Bruising of the skin (this is temporary). |
| Decreased muscle stiffness. | Burns from heated cups (unless treated by a qualified professional). |
| Improved blood circulation. | Feeling tired or exhausted. |
| Increased range of motion in joints and muscles. | Headache or muscle pain. |
| Feeling relaxed in body and mind. | Nausea. |
| Skin infections, itching, or scarring (especially if proper hygiene is not maintained during wet cupping). |
Very rarely, some people may experience a condition called Vasovagal Syncope , which is a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate, leading to fainting. This is especially likely to happen to people who are afraid of needles and who do Wet Cupping.
Who should not undergo cupping therapy?
Although cupping is a relatively low-risk treatment, it is not suitable for everyone. The following people in particular should avoid this treatment:
- Pregnant mothers: Since there is no clear data on the effects of cupping during pregnancy, it is best to avoid cupping during this time.
- People with anemia: This is not suitable for people with anemia.
- People who use a pacemaker.
- People with bleeding disorders: This can be dangerous for people with diseases like hemophilia.
- People with blood clotting problems: For example, those with a history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or stroke.
- People with cardiovascular disease.
- People with skin conditions: Cupping is not recommended for areas with conditions such as eczema or psoriasis .
- People with seizure disorders such as epilepsy.
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor before you try cupping or any other alternative treatment. He or she can advise you on whether it is right for you based on your health condition.
Is cupping therapy really effective?
There are different opinions about this. Some studies have shown that it reduces pain. Other studies have not shown much effect. However, many people who have had cupping say that they have found relief.
Many Western doctors consider cupping to be a form of complementary medicine . That is, it is something that can be done in addition to your main medical treatment, as a relief, and not as a stand-alone treatment.
When to see a doctor
If you experience these symptoms after receiving cupping therapy, be sure to see a doctor.
- Burn injuries.
- The pain is unbearable.
- Signs of a fever or skin infection (redness, severe pain, yellow pus-like discharge).
If something like this happens to you, go to the nearest hospital's ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately.
Ultimately, cupping is a method that people have used to relieve pain for thousands of years. While it's not 100% scientifically proven, it does seem to provide some relief for some people. And, when done correctly and by a qualified practitioner, there are no major risks. But remember, it's important to be informed and consult your doctor before doing anything.
Take-Home Message
- Cupping Therapy is an ancient treatment method used to relieve pain. It involves placing cups on the skin and applying gentle suction.
- This is believed to increase blood circulation and reduce pain and muscle stiffness.
- It is normal to have circular, purple spots on the skin after treatment, and they will fade within a week or two.
- This treatment is not suitable for pregnant mothers, people with bleeding disorders, and heart patients.
- It is imperative to consult your doctor (physician) before trying any alternative treatment, especially if you have other medical conditions.
- If you are undergoing cupping therapy, only have it performed by someone who is trained and qualified to do so.
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