To cup or not to cup

HEALTHWISE

Cupping therapy is safe and effective for many health disorders. It is used to treat pain, ease scar tissue deep within muscles and connective tissues, and reduce swelling and muscle knots.

The Chinese therapists believe that pain and various diseases or conditions are caused by stagnation and cupping not only improves the flow of qi (your vital life force), it also helps treat colds, bronchitis, and even pneumonia.

According to traditional Persian medicine, cupping evacuates the morbid materials from the compromised organs. It is supposed to minimize circulating toxins by drawing them into the skin where they are more easily removed. So the individual receiving the therapy enjoys improved blood flow, less inflammation, more relaxation and overall better energy.

Different methods of cupping

Cupping therapists often use the following three methods:

1. Fire cupping – in this method, a flame is introduced to the empty space of the cup to consume the oxygen. The cup is then quickly applied to the body creating a vacuum.

2. Pump cups – some cups use a pump that sucks the air out of the cup after it is placed on the skin. This allows for more precise control over the amount of suction.

3. Rubber (silicone) cups – a relatively modern invention, the rubber cups are first squeezed to remove the empty space and then applied to the body. The advantage of this lies in the flexibility of the edges, which allow the application of cups to bony and irregular areas.

Healers usually place cups on muscles like your back, legs, neck, and shoulders. Furthermore, they might put one or multiple cups in one session. They apply suction from a few minutes to 20 minutes, depending upon how deep and the age of the inflammation or pain. Finally, they remove the cups by raising one side.

The different ways that cupping may be used include:

Fixed cupping

As the name suggests, this involves cups which are fixed to the body and left to rest for a period of time. They may be applied as suction cups, pump cups or fire cups. This concentration is on a specific location, allowing time for the connective tissue to fully stretch. Anyone with localised pain and tension should for this method.

The strength of these cups can vary depending on the present state of the individual. The weaker someone’s energy is systemically, the lighter the cupping pressure. Hence, fewer cups will be used and they will be retained for a shorter period of time mostly for the debilitated, elderly and young children.

The next level of cupping is more appropriate for people with more strength. Medium cups may be used for a short period of time to remove local congestion in weaker patients or to encourage circulation in those with more vitality.

Strong cupping pressure should only be used on those with a high level of energy. These techniques can be draining and cups should not be retained for an extended period of time. This level of cupping will often be used when there is some chronic localised stasis in the surrounding tissue

Sliding cupping

Massage oil is first applied to allow for frictionless movement of the cup. Cups are then affixed with medium strength and moved through the treatment area.

Flash cupping

Flash cupping involves the quick repeated application of cups, with minimal retention.

Wet cupping

Wet cupping is when cups are applied after a piercing of the sskin The piercing removes static blood and toxins from the body. The suction of the cups speeds up this process.

The cupping process itself does not hurt, and the bruising is usually related to the length of time left on, the suction intensity, or if you tend to bruise easily. The circular marks range in color from pink to deep red or purple and fade with time. Everyone’s body responds differently to cupping; therefore, some may fade after a few hours while others take up to two weeks to disappear completely.

To get the maximum benefits from cupping, it’s important that you follow a few guidelines.

How to prepare for cupping:

• Cupping supports your lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system is responsible for clearing away cellular waste from your body and it needs plenty of water to do this effectively.
• Eat an hour or so before your appointment.
• Don’t shave the area within four hours of your appointment.
• When you receive cupping, it will feel like that area is warmer than normal. Neither the cup nor the extra heat will feel good on sunburned skin. Apply some soothing aloe and wait until your skin has recovered before your next cupping appointment.
• Exfoliating removes a layer of dead skin, which makes your skin extra sensitive. Wait a couple of days after aggressive exfoliation treatment before receiving cupping.

What to avoid after cupping:

• Caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods, dairy, and processed meats as they slow down your body’s ability to process the treatment.
• Hot showers, saunas, hot tubs and strong air conditioning since your skin will be more sensitive to temperature in the areas where the cups were placed. Give it time to recover.
• Intense exercise because you may feel tired or experience flu-like symptoms after cupping and it’s better to rest in this case.

Limitations

There are no reports of cupping doing any harm. It is a relatively painless process but it is not for everyone, and some people with certain conditions or using certain medications should proceed with caution and extra care from the practitioner:

• Not for children under the age of 4, and all children should only have short sessions.
• Pregnant women should not apply cups on the abdomen, the lower back, or thighs.
• Seniors must be cautious due to the fragility of aging skin and potential reaction from their medication.
• Anyone on blood thinners should not do cupping therapy
• Women should not opt for cupping during their menstruation period.
• Do not do cupping if there is any form of sore, ulcer, skin irritation, including a sunburn.
• Anyone with an internal organ disease or disorder should not do cupping
• Anyone who has recently experienced a traumatic event.
• Cups should never be applied over areas of broken bones, fractures, ruptured tendons, or injuries that involved bleeding.

Remember, cupping is not something you should ever try at home because of the potential risk of injury, infection, or doing more harm than good.