An In-Depth Look at Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy has become an increasingly popular natural treatment option for a variety of ailments. This ancient therapy dates back thousands of years and has roots in traditional Chinese medicine. If you are curious to learn more about cupping therapy and want to find cupping services near you, read on.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. This suction gently pulls the skin and underlying tissues up into the cup. The cups used can be made of bamboo, silicone, or glass. Heat or an air pump is used to create the vacuum inside the cups. There are also some practitioners that use "fire cupping" which involves lighting a flammable substance inside the cup to remove oxygen before placing it on the skin.
The suction and negative pressure provide a number of proposed benefits. The pulling action is thought to stimulate blood flow to the area and promote healing. It may also help relieve muscle tension, loosen adhesions, and enhance overall circulation. Some believe it can even help clear blockages in the energy meridians of the body.
Common Areas Cupped During Therapy
Cupping can be done on almost any area of the body. The most common areas are:
- Back
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Stomach
- Buttocks
- Thighs
Cupping along the back targets the thicker muscles and can help alleviate back pain, stiffness, and stress. Cupping the neck and shoulders focuses on tension caused by stress or poor posture. Targeting the thighs and buttocks can help circulatory issues like varicose veins. Cupping the stomach may aid digestion.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
There are many proposed benefits of cupping therapy. Some of the main benefits include:
- Relieving aches, pains, and muscle tension
- Improving circulation
- Boosting skin health
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Detoxifying the body
- Accelerating injury recovery
The negative pressure is thought to lift connective tissues, fascia, and muscles. This allows new blood flow to oxygenate and heal the area. The increased circulation is also thought to eliminate toxins, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin health.
Cupping may also help boost mood. The calming sensation along with increased blood flow can put the body in a parasympathetic state. This allows the body to relax both physically and mentally.
Does Cupping Therapy Hurt?
Most people do not find cupping to be painful. You may feel some tightness and pulling sensations as the cups lift the skin. Some discomfort is common when getting a massage or bodywork, and cupping is no different. Any discomfort should fade once the cups are removed.
That said, cupping may leave temporary skin discoloration. The suction often causes bruising or deep purplish marks. However, this is not dangerous and fades within a few days to a week. Arriving hydrated, avoiding blood thinners, and using silicone cups can reduce bruising.
Is Cupping Therapy Safe?
When done by a properly trained practitioner, cupping therapy is generally very safe. There are a few contraindications to be aware of, including:
- Pregnancy
- Eczema, psoriasis or other skin conditions
- Bleeding disorders
- Damaged blood vessels
- Weak bones
Your practitioner will review your medical history to determine if cupping is right for you. Make sure to disclose any medical issues or medications. Brief discomfort and marks are normal, but serious side effects are very rare.
What to Expect During a Cupping Session
Ready to try cupping for yourself? Here is a quick rundown of what to expect during your first session:
- The practitioner will discuss your goals for treatment and medical history. Let them know of any areas of pain or tension you want to focus on.
- You may be asked to remove clothing to expose skin. Many practitioners will preserve modesty by only exposing the areas being cupped.
- The practitioner will prepare your skin by lubricating it with oil. This helps the cups glide and slide.
- Cups will then be placed on the desired areas. You'll feel a tight suction sensation as they are applied.
- The cups will stay in place 5-15 minutes, depending on the practitioner’s assessment.
- To remove them, the practitioner loosens the seal and gently lifts the cup off.
- After cupping, you can dress and discuss the sensation. Be sure to drink water to stay hydrated.
Some people only need cupping every few months as maintenance. Those with chronic pain may benefit from weekly sessions. Discuss frequency with your practitioner.
How to Find Cupping Therapy Near You
Ready to try cupping for various benefits? Use these tips to find accredited cupping therapy near you:
- Ask your chiropractor, massage therapist, or acupuncturist if they incorporate cupping into treatments.
- Search online directories for cupping practitioners in your state or city.
- Check Groupon and similar apps for cupping deals in your area.
- Search Google Maps for cupping or Chinese medicine to find nearby studios.
- Ask friends, family, or social media groups for local cupping recommendations.
- Confirm practitioners are properly licensed and certified in cupping therapy.
Cupping services can be found at chiropractic offices, massage studios, acupuncture clinics, holistic centers, and Chinese medicine facilities. Usage and acceptance of cupping continues to grow in the United States and abroad.
At-Home Cupping Kits
If you want to explore cupping therapy in the comfort of home, at-home cupping sets are available for purchase online. Many include cups, pumps, and detailed instructions for self-treatment. However, it is best to try professional cupping first.
While home cupping kits provide a similar suction effect, you miss out on a practitioner’s skill and experience. There is also some risk of improper technique leading to burns or bruising. Consult your doctor before using any at-home cupping kit.
Cupping Therapy Precautions
Cupping is considered very low-risk when performed correctly on healthy individuals. However, there are some important safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Avoid cupping if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- Never cup directly over injured or compromised skin
- Discuss any medical conditions with your practitioner
- Stay hydrated before and after cupping sessions
- Do not participate in strenuous activity for 24 hours post-treatment
- Leave cups in place only as directed and avoid moving them
Always have your initial cupping treatments performed by an experienced professional. Carefully follow any at-home treatment instructions provided to you. Stop cupping if increased pain or other concerning symptoms develop.
Questions to Ask a Cupping Practitioner
Make sure to ask any potential cupping practitioner the following questions:
- Where did you complete your cupping therapy training?
- How long have you been practicing cupping?
- How often do you treat cupping patients?
- What cupping techniques do you use?
- Do you reuse single-use cups between patients?
- Can you accommodate my budget for treatment?
- What results can I expect from cupping therapy?
Confirm that your chosen cupping pro has proper training from an accredited program or institution. They should also follow sanitary practices and personalize your treatment plan.
Is Cupping Therapy Right for You?
Cupping therapy offers an intriguing way to address various pains, aches, and skin conditions. While results can vary person-to-person, many prove the suction technique effective. Always consult your primary doctor before undergoing cupping or any new therapy.
Hopefully this guide provided a helpful introduction to cupping. There are many skilled cupping practitioners ready to help clients like you explore its purported benefits. Finding conveniently located cupping services is easy using online directories and other resources.
Do your research, read reviews, ask questions, and work with licensed practitioners only. With professional care, cupping can be an extremely safe and rewarding holistic treatment. Get ready to give this ancient technique a try and experience the benefits of modern cupping therapy near you!
FAQs
What are the main benefits of cupping therapy?
Some of the main proposed benefits of cupping therapy include relieving muscle tension, improving circulation, boosting skin health, reducing stress and anxiety, detoxifying the body, and accelerating injury recovery.
Does cupping therapy hurt?
Most people do not find cupping to be very painful. You may feel some tightness and pulling sensations as the cups lift the skin. Some temporary bruising or skin discoloration is common but fades quickly.
How long do the cupping marks last?
The circular cupping marks and bruises typically last between 3-7 days before fading completely. Staying hydrated and using silicone cups can help reduce bruising.
Is cupping safe for everyone?
Cupping is considered very safe when performed by a certified practitioner on healthy individuals. However, there are some contraindications for those with bleeding disorders, damaged skin, pregnancy, and other medical conditions.
How often should you get cupping therapy?
For maintenance, many people get cupping every few months. Those with chronic pain may need sessions as often as once a week. Frequency depends on your individual needs and treatment plan.