Cupping therapy
What is cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy is an alternative healing method that involves creating suction on the skin with cups typically made of glass, bamboo or plastic. These cups are strategically positioned on the body's specific points to enhance blood circulation, alleviate muscle tension and stimulate the body's natural healing processes. Cupping is used for various purposes including: pain management, relaxation, improved blood circulation, detoxification, enhanced recovery, respiratory health support and potential skin condition alleviation.
What are the different types of cupping?
There are several different types of cupping therapy. The most common types include:
- Dry Cupping: This procedure includes creating a vacuum into the cup bringing blood and lymph into a specific area, which promotes circulation and healing. In addition, it helps break adhesions between the skin and underlying connective tissues allowing for freer movement thus pulling the local underlying tissue up into the cupping vessel.
- Wet Cupping (Hijama): Wet cupping is comparable to dry cupping except that it goes one step further. In this method, a medically safe blade is used to make superficial incisions to the surface of the skin before re-applying the cup. Through this process, small amounts of toxic blood, acids, fats and debris from the body is extracted which allows ample movement of healthy, oxygenated blood around the body.
- Fire Cupping: An ancient therapeutic technique that has been practised for centuries in various cultures around the world. During a fire cupping session, a flame is applied inside a glass or bamboo cup to create a vacuum. The cup is then quickly placed on the skin, usually on specific acupuncture points or areas of tension or pain. As the cup cools down, it creates suction, causing the skin and underlying tissues to be drawn into the cup. The cups are left in place for a few minutes or moved around in a gliding motion to massage the area.
What are the benefits of cupping therapy?
- Boosts immune function
- Detoxifies the body
- Faster pain relief
- Improves blood circulation
- Reduces inflammation
- Relaxes the body
- Promotes overall wellbeing
- Optimises athlete performance
What disorders can cupping therapy help with?
- Digestive system: Constipation, diarrhoea, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Metabolism: Low energy, fatigue, anaemia, the deteriorating of the tissues, cellulite, emaciation
- Nervous system: Headaches/migraines, depression, high blood pressure, rate of breathing
- Gynaecological: Menstrual pain, suppressed or irregular menses
- Musculoskeletal: Back pain, arthritis, traumatic injuries, lumbago, sciatica
- Respiratory & Circulatory: Asthma, bronchitis, common cold & flu