You may have noticed that during sports events like the Olympics, athletes have purple circles on their backs and shoulders. Many people thought these were bruises. But they are actually the marks of a very old treatment called 'cupping'. These days, a lot of people are talking about this treatment. So let's see what cupping therapy is, is it really beneficial, and what we need to know about it.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Simply put, Cupping Therapy is the process of placing specially designed cups on the skin and creating a vacuum inside them, which pulls the skin upwards. This increases blood flow to certain areas of the body. It is a very old alternative medicine method. People use it for a variety of things. For example, it is used to reduce pain and swelling, for mental well-being and relaxation, and as a deep-tissue massage .
The cups used for this can be made of various materials:
A little history...
This is not something that started yesterday. Its history goes back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. The Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical texts in the world, written in 1550 BC, mentions how the Egyptians used this treatment for a number of ailments, including fever, pain, and dizziness. In Islamic culture, it is also known as Hijama.
In the early days, this method was used to suck out poison from wounds using the bare horns of animals. Later, bamboo and glass cups began to be used.
Main types of cupping therapy
There are two main types of cupping .
1. Dry Cupping: This is the most commonly used and simplest method. There is no blood drawn here. The practitioner applies a small amount of oil to your skin, places the cup on the skin, and creates a vacuum. In the traditional method, the cup is filled with something like alcohol, set on fire, and then quickly placed on the skin as soon as the fire goes out. As the air inside cools, a vacuum is created, which pulls the skin up. However, nowadays, instead of fire, devices with a rubber pump are used. These cups are left on the skin for about 5-10 minutes and then removed.
2. Wet Cupping: This is a bit more complicated. First, like Dry Cupping, a cup is placed on the skin for about 3 minutes to create a slight pull. Then, the cup is removed, and a very small scalpel is used to make several very fine, small cuts in the skin. Then, the cup is placed back on the same spot and a very small amount of blood is drawn out. This means that the unwanted substances and toxins in the area are drawn out along with the blood. After the treatment, an antibiotic ointment is applied and a bandage is applied to prevent infection. The skin returns to normal in about 10 days.
The most important thing is that if you do any of these methods, it should only be done by someone who is well-trained and experienced . Otherwise, there is a high chance of things like infection .
What are the real benefits of this treatment?
There is still no 100% scientific consensus on how cupping reduces pain and cures diseases. However, there are several theories on the subject. Let's look at some of the most common uses of this treatment below.
| When to use the treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Pain management | It is used for chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, knee problems, and fibromyalgia. It is believed that pressure on the skin blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. |
| Skin diseases | It is used as a treatment for conditions such as acne, eczema, and herpes zoster. |
| Respiratory system diseases | It is believed to help reduce chest congestion caused by asthma and allergies. |
| Other situations | Some people also use it for conditions such as high blood pressure, migraines, anxiety, and depression. |
But remember, there is not yet enough high-level scientific evidence to say that cupping therapy is effective for many of these conditions. Therefore, do not stop your regular medical treatment and turn to alternative treatments like these. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Are there any side effects or risks?
Cupping is a largely safe treatment when performed by a well-trained practitioner, but some side effects may occur.
- Skin spots: This is the most common. Red, purple spots appear in circles where the cups were placed. These are not bruises. These spots will fade on their own in a few days or a week or two.
- Minor pain: You may feel a little discomfort or pain during the treatment due to the stretching of the skin.
- Burns: In the traditional method using fire, if the cup gets too hot, it can burn the skin. That's why only an experienced person should do this.
- Skin Infections: Skin infections can occur if the equipment used is not properly sterilized, especially during Wet Cupping. There is also a risk of spreading blood-borne diseases like Hepatitis B and C.
Who should not have cupping?
This treatment is not suitable for people with certain health conditions. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to talk to your doctor before having cupping.
- Pregnant women.
- Cancer patients.
- People with blood clotting disorders such as hemophilia.
- People taking blood thinners.
- People with heart disease or a pacemaker.
- This is not recommended for areas with skin wounds, cracks, or infections.
Take-Home Message
- Cupping Therapy is an ancient alternative treatment method used to reduce pain and increase well-being by stimulating blood flow in the body.
- Some claim that this provides relief from pain and skin conditions, but strong scientific evidence for this is still limited.
- Purple spots on the skin after treatment are normal and will fade within a few days.
- If you choose to undergo this treatment, make sure it is only done by someone who is well-trained, experienced, and meticulous about cleanliness .
- If you have any medical condition or are taking any medication, it is essential to seek advice from your doctor before undergoing cupping therapy.
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