Cupping therapy is a form of ancient alternative medicine practiced in the Middle East, Latin America and in Asia.
Cupping happens when a trained practitioner places heated cups directly onto the skin causing suction. This process brings blood to the skin’s surface and promotes the flow of energy which in turn helps with the healing process.
The cups can be silicon, glass or plastic.
What is cupping therapy useful for?
Cupping therapy can help with neck pain, back pain and headaches because it helps reduce pain.
It can also help with shoulder pain, knee pain, shingles, asthma, arthritis, acne, carpal tunnel syndrome, and for a trapped nerve in the neck.
Cupping therapy increases blood flow around the body and to the skin, removes toxins from the body, and helps solidify your immune system.
For how long should the practitioner place the cups onto your skin?
The maximum time the cups should stay on the skin is a few minutes (up to 3 minutes)
Can you have cupping therapy every day?
For simple problems yes you can however for complex issues you should leave a day or two in between treatments.
Can you shower after cupping therapy?
It is advised not to shower after cupping therapy because cupping leaves your pores open. Immersing your body into water could lead to infection.
What else shouldn’t you do after cupping therapy?
You are advised NOT to do the following:
- Drink alcohol
- Eat processed meats
- Have a sauna
- Use a hot tub
- Have caffeinated drinks
- Eat sugary foods
- Eat dairy products
What are the 4 different types of cupping?
Dry cupping – This cupping uses the suction method only.
Wet cupping – This cupping can involve both suction and medicinal bleeding where the practitioner will make an incision to draw blood.
Running cupping – This involves suction after oil is massaged into the affected area. The cups can be moved around the area giving an effect similar to massage.
Flash cupping – This cupping involves quick and repeated suctions on the same area of the body
Where are cups generally applied on the body?
Most often the cups are applied to the back, chest, legs, abdomen and bottom.
Facial cupping is also quite common.
Are there any side effects?
You can experience light headedness, dizziness, nausea, circular marks and discolouration of the skin after cupping therapy.
Occasionally you can get scarring and bruising
Who should not have cupping therapy?
You should not have cupping therapy if:
- You are taking blood thinning drugs
- You have thinning skin
- If you are sunburnt.
- If you have a skin wound.
- If you have inflamed skin.
- If you have varicose veins
On which parts of the body should cupping therapy not be done?
Cupping should not be done on the following parts of the body:
- Veins and arteries
- Eyes
- Nerves
- Lymph nodes
- Mouth
- Anus
- Genitals
If you would like to share your experiences with cupping therapy please let us know on our forum and social media! Share some of your thoughts with others and start a conversation.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
