Cupping therapy is an ancient form of holistic medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin to create negative pressure through localised suction. This negative pressure decompresses and gently lifts the skin and underlying tissues to stimulate blood circulation and promote pain relief for injuries such as strains, sprains and inflammation.
There are two main categories of cupping:
1. Dry cupping is a suction-only method.
2. Wet cupping may involve both suction and controlled medicinal bleeding.
Is cupping a new thing?
Cupping has become extremely popular in the West over the last several years, but it’s definitely not a new "fad" - it dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures.
What does cupping actually do?
The intent of Cupping is to increase blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This is done to relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue
Physiological response:
1. negative pressure - once applied cups lift the tissue which allows for the separation of adhesions '' stuck tissue' 'that can feel like a knot or ache. This is usually due to dehydration , chronic inflammation , repetitive motion injuries and more. For the body to function optimally these need to be addressed before they develop into other issues.
2. vasodilation - cupping can stimulate vasodilation which is the widening of blood vessels which can encourage increased blood supply and lymph to promote healing.
3. enhanced fluid exchange - the vacuum effect of cupping pulls blood into dehydrated, malnourished or ischaemic (deficient in blood) tissues. Also due to their suction pump effect on the body , they also encourage venous return and lymph fluid movement. This all helps in recovery and increased performance.
4. Get rid of interstitial debris that the body can not do on its own.
What is interstitial debris?
anything material the body could not dispose of on its own. may include:
● old blood deposits from injury
● cellular waste
● metabolic waste ( lactic acid - from exercise)
● medications
● toxins ( smoke , Shisha, poor air quality)
● foreign objects
if the body is not able to properly remove these then it can alter the body's optimal functioning patterns and lead to a whole slew of dysfunctions.
What Are the Benefits of Cupping Therapy?
Different cupping techniques are used to treat different conditions. Cupping can have effects on all the body systems as shown below depending on the technique, apparatus used and the area it is done.
Some ways cupping can benefit the entire body:
● cups encourage circulation
● cups eleviate adhesions
● cups help clear congestion and stagnation
● cups can lift, rehydrate and manipulate fascia - decreasing pain
● cups can cause micro-trauma in tissues - to start the process of regeneration and rebuild healthy tissue.
● cups encourage new blood vessels to form from already healthy vessels - in turn speed recovery
● cups help alleviate excessive pressure on sensory organs in soft tissue , which leads to a reduction in pain .
● promotes regional softening - encourages lymphatic drainage , addresses adhesions in the sacral region
that can help regulate menstruation and promote regional comfort.
● Wet Cupping - addresses scar tissue and deep circulatory congestion and healing.
Sports & Performance
Athletes want to keep their body in peak performance condition, and cupping is an effective in achieving this. from clearing lactic acid overload or repetitive motion restrictions, cupping can keep the muscles in a state of optimal functioning, both before and after an event or training day. when done regularly cupping will have a cumulative effect and help maintain healthy muscle tissue, promoting, muscle health, strength and recovery.
● amplifies the process of general waste removal required for faster muscle recovery.
● draw out stagnant blood and excess heat
● reduces inflammation
● prevent injuries from happening by promoting hydration and breaking down adhesions before they develop
in to chronic issues.
● increase muscle activity and range of motion
Therapeutic benefits on the body systems
Body temperature regulation shown in thermographic images
● an area of injury shows localised heat and irritation in surrounding muscle that have tension.
● cupping will draw the excessive heat/inflammation to the surface and out of the area of injury.
● circulation will increase decreasing tension and evenly disperses the excessive heat to allow recovery.
How cupping effects the skin and the surface tissues.
● stimulates superficial circulation
● supports temperature regulation
● desensitises superficial pain patterns ( from aggravated nerve endings )
How cupping affects the cardiovascular system
● promotes overall circulation
● encourages venous return ( deoxygenates blood back to the heart)
● affects blood pressure ( benefits both high and low blood pressure by regulating effect)
● influencers body temperature
How cupping affects the lymph-vascular system
● encourages lymph drainage
● affects overall lymph movement
● encourages directional movement
● support deeper lymphatic drainage
● supports immune system functions ( white blood cell movement within lymph and waste removal)
● addresses general abdominal congestion
How cupping affects the muscular system
● promotes overall skeletal muscle health ( encourage softness, pliability, hydration and reduction in tension. removal of waste and greater blood flow)
● promotes lengthening of tight muscles
● encourages lymph movement
● stimulates peristalsis ( large intestine and overall gut movement)
● supports body temperature regulation
● promotes muscle recovery
How cupping affects the skeletal system
● relieves inflammation
● works with limited motion - works with limited joints to improve flexibility and overall mobility.
How cupping affects the respiratory system
● assists in coughing - loosen mucus and stimulate expectorant action
● address lung tissues
● help remove excessive heat
● stretches breathing muscles
Digestive system
● influences tonic muscular activity
● stimulates peristalsis ( natural gut movement )
● promote overall abdominal health ( general circulation and waste removal)
Nervous system
consists primarily of the brain and spinal cord ( central nervous system) and the peripheral nervous system.
● provides decompressive therapy - softening tissue that may be compressing nerves or trigger points.
● promotes relaxation - cupping massage can relax sensor nerves and promote deep relaxation.
● addresses nervous system conditions - nervous tissue can be involved in a wide range of pain and dysfunctional pathologies. (cerebral palsy, headaches et)
Reproductive system
● cycle irregularities can occur for many reasons; stress, trauma, scar tissue, tight muscles, medications, eating disorders, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and a whole range of potential dysfunctional diseases.
