Description

Cupping therapy is a form of alternative medicine in which suction is created on the skin using cups. This therapy has roots in traditional Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European medicine and has gained popularity in sports and wellness settings. 🔹 What Is Cupping Therapy? Cupping involves placing special cups (made of glass, bamboo, silicone, or plastic) on the skin to create negative pressure (suction). The suction may be created using: Heat (fire cupping): Heating the air inside the cup before placement. Pumps (dry or wet cupping): Using a mechanical suction device. 🔹 Types of Cupping: Dry Cupping – Suction only, no blood drawn. Wet Cupping (Hijama) – Small incisions are made after suction, and blood is drawn out. Massage or Moving Cupping – Cups are glided over lubricated skin to combine suction and massage. 🔹 Claimed Benefits (some are still under scientific investigation): Increases blood circulation to targeted areas Reduces muscle tension and pain Promotes healing and reduces inflammation Helps with trigger points or “knots” May boost lymphatic flow and immune response 🔹 Common Uses: Sports recovery (used by athletes for soreness and tightness) Back and neck pain Migraines Fibromyalgia Anxiety and fatigue 🔹 Possible Side Effects: Circular bruises or discoloration (typically painless) Skin irritation or burns (if fire cupping is used improperly) Dizziness or nausea (especially in wet cupping) Risk of infection (mainly with wet cupping if not done hygienically) 🔹 Cupping in Clinical Practice: Cupping is often used alongside: Massage therapy Physical therapy Acupuncture Exercise rehabilitation It’s important to see a trained and certified practitioner, especially for wet cupping or when treating specific conditions.

Filter tags