Cupping | What Does It Do And What Are The Benefits?

Cupping therapy is probably one of the oldest forms of manual therapy used by humans for healing purposes. It has remained an important component of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other ancient healing systems where it was used to ease pain, release toxins from the body, improve energy flow (Qi) and heal various diseases and common ailments. This ancient form of healing practice has seen various ups and downs in terms of popularity, however, it never died out. Over time, the cupping techniques have modernised but the original philosophy has never changed. Recently, interest in cupping therapy has re-emerged, from high profile celebrities to professional athletes, everyone seems to be impressed by the therapeutic benefits that cupping therapy can offer. For all those who still question the effectiveness and benefits of cupping therapy, here is some info about cupping benefits and common questions.

Cupping Benefits

In chinese medecine cupping therapy is beleived to relieve pain, promote muscle relaxation and improve overall health by removing the energy blockages that are believed to be the barriers to the free flow of healthy energy (Qi) inside the body.  

Many western advocates of the cupping therapy believe that the stretching, contraction of the skin and pressure during cupping therapy results in an increase in the flow of blood to the treated area, this increased blood flow helps to jumpstart the healing process. The artificially induced drawing of blood from the vessels into the tissues makes the mind think that the body has been injured, so the body quickly starts an inflammatory response and starts to rush antibodies to the treated area in order to heal it. This is the reason cupping therapy is regarded as an effective option for treating many pain-based conditions. 

A number of scientific studies carried out in recent times have linked cupping therapy with a host of health benefits; however, there is lack of scientific research in support of using it as a treatment modality. A few of the most noted cupping benefits are listed below:

• improves the energy flow throughout the body
• provides a feeling of relief from various physical and emotional conditions
• enhances blood circulation
• strengthens the immune system by increasing lymphatic output
• optimised athletic performance
• speeds up the muscle recovery process
• loosens restrictions and adhesions in the tissues
• reduces inflammation
• promotes relaxation
• improves overall wellbeing

Now that you are now familiar with the cupping benefits, let’s take a look at some of the common questions people have about cupping therapy. 

 Cupping Therapy – Common Questions

People interested in cupping therapy are often curious and a bit nervous, and it is the lack of information that often makes them nervous. Here are some of the most common questions people ask about cupping therapy:

• Is it Painful?

This is probably the most common question asked about cupping therapy and the answer is that it is a very safe and generally comfortable procedure with very rare adverse effects. 

• Why do you get marks on the skin from cupping?

The marks that appear on the skin after cupping are purely the bodies reaction to the pressure. These marks are often confused as bruises, which is not true. 

• How long do these marks last for?

Depending on the intensity of the pressure applied and the duration of the cupping therapy, the marks can last anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks. 

• Are there any contraindications?

Cupping therapy is not recommended to those who have sensitive skin or skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. People who are diagnosed with blood diseases such as anemia should also avoid cupping therapy. Pregnant women are also advised not to use this therapy while they are pregnant. 

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