What is Cupping?

Modalities
Written By Ute Anonsen

Cupping is an ancient practice used in Chinese and middle eastern medicine to treat a wide range of health problems. Traditionally, it involves creating suction on the skin using a glass or bamboo cup.

Negative pressure is created by applying a flame to the cup to remove oxygen before placing it on the skin. Although some practitioners still use this technique, many use modern plastic or silicon cups that do not involve the use of fire.

Suction is achieved simply by attaching a suction device to the cup after it is placed on the skin or squeezing a silicon cup.

You might have heard of “wet cupping,” a technique where the skin is pierced and blood flows into the cup.

At True Balance, we only practice “dry cupping,” which does not involve piercing the skin.

Cupping Is Effective In Treating:

  • Pain in general

  • Muscle tension from stress, strain and injury

  • Paralysis

  • Gastrointestinal disorders

  • Skin disorders

  • Gynecological disorders such as cramps and infertility

  • Insomnia and anxiety

  • Colds and allergies

  • Lung diseases and infections (especially chronic cough and asthma)

Cupping also helps reduce inflammation, improve tissue mobility, improve blood circulation, and to create homeostasis in the body.

Are there side effects of cupping?

Aside from temporary marks on the skin — not to be mistaken for bruises — cupping is a safe treatment. The marks fade over the course of a few days, and rarely take weeks to fade away. 

In rare cases skin infections can occur. Please tell your practitioner if you’re taking any blood thinners or medication that might interfere with the therapy. 

After cupping therapy:

  • Avoid wind/ drafts (fans and open car windows count!) and any extreme temperatures of cold or heat (including air and water).

  • Pay attention to the areas treated and take note of how long it takes for marks to disappear.

  • Drink plenty of water or non-caffeinated beverages to help flush out substances from the body that have been reintroduced into circulation by treatment.

  • Be cautious not to overdo it with activities. Sometimes cupping therapy can make you a little tired and the areas may be tender for a couple of days.

Who should get cupping?

Anyone who wants to improve their overall feeling of wellbeing will benefit from cupping. 

Athletes, clients with chronic pain and fatigue or are recovering after surgery might experience great outcomes. 

Ute Anonsen
Previous

What is Reflexology?