Forming its roots from ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine, cupping therapy involves placing certain cups on someone’s skin to create suction. Two types of cupping exists – wet and dry cupping which is believed to induce a lot of benefits. Many consider this as complementary therapy which can be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic adjustments etc.
Wet Cupping
A cup is placed on the skin to create a vacuum that raises your skin to the cup. Prior to placing the cup, the therapist will use acupuncture needles to make tiny incisions that further helps in drawing out blood in the suction process. By drawing out deoxygenated blood, this process helps in improving the blood circulation.
Dry Cupping
Dry Cupping involves using a flammable substance to ignite the cup briefly so that when the fire fades away, the cup is placed on the skin. As the cup cools, it creates a vacuum that raises skin to the cup. Thereafter, the skin is reddened to make the blood vessels expand. We often use vacuum pumps as well to produce the cupping effect.
Usually, cupping leaves round bruises on the skin which do clear up in a few days. One may also receive multiple treatment sessions based on your condition.
Benefits
- A powerful combination for pain relief – dry needling and cupping helps release endorphins in the blood stream. Endorphins in turn helps decrease pain and relaxes muscles. Many conditions such as chronic back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and headaches can be treated through this very effective combination.
- From reducing inflammation to helping with sports injuries, cupping therapy can also help in relieving stress.
- The sound that you hear is of the vacuum inside the cup that is created. This is effective as it increases the blood circulation to the areas where the cups are placed, helping in relieving muscle tension and soreness.
- Other benefits also include improvement in gastrointestinal disorders such as bowel diseases, constipation etc.