Cupping Therapy for Anxiety Relief - Proposed Benefits and Research

How Cupping Therapy Can Help With Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting over 19% of the adult population every year. Symptoms of anxiety can range from excessive worrying to panic attacks and can significantly disrupt daily functioning.

While psychotherapy and medications are commonly used to treat anxiety, many people are interested in complementary and alternative approaches like cupping therapy. Cupping involves placing specialized cups on the skin to create suction and mobilize blood flow. Some evidence suggests cupping may help ease anxiety symptoms.

Read on to learn more about how cupping works, its proposed effects on anxiety, and whether it could be a helpful part of your wellness routine.

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is an ancient healing practice that originated in China over 2,500 years ago. The method involves placing glass or plastic cups on the skin and creating suction by heating the air inside the cups or using a hand-operated vacuum pump.

This suction gently lifts the skin, mobilizes blood flow, and stimulates sensation in the underlying tissues. Reddening of the skin is common after cupping, indicating that blood flow has been encouraged to the area.

There are several methods of cupping:

• Dry cupping uses suction alone to treat the area of skin inside the cup.
• Wet cupping involves making small incisions before placing the cups to draw out small quantities of blood.
• Moving cupping uses oil on the skin and sliding the cups around to massage the tissue.

Cupping is often used to treat muscle tension, improve blood circulation, alleviate pain, and reduce inflammation. Its frequently combined with other therapies like acupuncture or massage.

Proposed Benefits for Anxiety

There are several ways that proponents of cupping therapy believe it may help with anxiety:

Encouraging Relaxation

Many people report feeling deeply relaxed both during and after cupping sessions. The combination of warm suction, massage-like motions, and laying still can produce a sedative effect that soothes the body and mind.

Cupping encourages the release of endorphins, your body's natural feel-good chemicals that can further promote calm and relief from anxiety symptoms.

Releasing Muscle Tension

Anxiety often involves physical symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, and body aches. By mobilizing blood flow and loosening muscles where cups are placed, cupping massage may relieve these somatic symptoms.

Releasing pent-up muscle tension can also reduce feelings of stress and discomfort that may be contributing to or exacerbating anxiety.

Modulating Inflammation

Growing evidence links chronic inflammation with anxiety and depression. Some small studies suggest cupping may reduce inflammatory biomarkers like C-reactive protein (CRP).

By reducing inflammation, cupping could help address inflammatory aspects of anxiety. However, more research is needed to confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of cupping.

Boosting Circulation

Better circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid can help deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues while flushing out toxins. For people with anxiety, improved circulation may promote a sense of vitality and support overall mind-body wellness.

What Does the Research Say?

While many believe cupping therapy has anti-anxiety benefits, there is limited scientific research specifically on cupping and anxiety.

Some small studies have found cupping may reduce pain, fatigue, and symptoms of depression. Since anxiety is often comorbid with chronic pain and depression, this offers some optimistic evidence.

One 2011 study examined wet cupping therapy in people with anxiety and depression. After a single session, over 70% of participants reported feeling mildly or significantly less anxious. The anti-anxiety effects were sustained over 4 weeks.

More rigorously designed studies are still needed to confirm the efficacy of cupping for reducing anxiety symptoms compared to placebo or other treatments. But the existing evidence provides some promise.

Is Cupping Safe?

When performed by a trained practitioner, cupping is generally considered safe, with few side effects. The most common adverse reaction is bruising or irritation where the cups were placed.

However, there are some risks and precautions to be aware of:

• Wet cupping can increase the risk of infection. Only go to qualified practitioners and ensure proper sterilization procedures are followed.
• Cupping should not be done on damaged skin, fractures, or blood clotting disorders.
• Speak with your doctor before trying cupping if you have any medical conditions or take blood thinners.
• Pregnant women should avoid cupping on the abdomen or lower back.

If you experience any concerning symptoms after cupping like dizziness, nausea, or prolonged pain, contact your healthcare provider.

How to Find a Cupping Practitioner

It's important to visit a qualified cupping therapist rather than attempting cupping on your own. Licensed acupuncturists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and naturopaths may offer cupping treatment.

When finding a cupping professional:

• Ask about their training and experience with cupping specifically.
• Look for practitioners who use new cups for each client and sterile needles if wet cupping.
• Read reviews and ask for referrals from past clients if possible.

You can search for accredited practitioners through organizations like the American Cupping Therapy Association or state licensing boards.

What to Expect During a Cupping Session

During your first cupping session, the practitioner will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals. They can then tailor the areas treated and cupping methods used to best address your anxiety.

You may be asked to remove clothing to expose the skin for cup application. The practitioner will lubricate the skin with oil to allow the cups to glide and create a good seal.

As the cups are placed, you'll feel a mild suction sensation and warmth in the treated areas. Many people find this deeply relaxing. The cups may remain static or be moved around to massage the tissue.

A session can last 15-30 minutes or longer depending on the size of the area covered. Most people feel an immediate sense of relaxation once the cups are removed.

Some minor achiness, bruising, or irritation can occur after treatment but should fade within a few days. Be sure to drink plenty of water post-cupping to help your body flush out metabolic waste.

How Often Should You Get Cupping Therapy?

Theres no universally agreed upon cupping schedule, as needs vary by individual. Some people get cupping only a few times per year as maintenance.

For anxiety relief, more frequent sessions may be helpful initially. Some find benefits from weekly or bi-weekly treatment, tapering to maintenance sessions as symptoms improve.

Work with your cupping practitioner to find a regimen that meets your needs and supports lasting relief from anxiety.

Other Lifestyle Measures That May Complement Cupping

While cupping therapy offers potential benefits on its own, combining it with healthy lifestyle practices can further help manage anxiety.

Stress Management

Learning skills like mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga can aid stress relief and anxiety control. Maintaining healthy sleep, exercise, and nutrition habits also helps regulate mood.

Psychotherapy

Ongoing counseling provides powerful anxiety coping techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is particularly effective for treating anxiety disorders.

Aromatherapy

Relaxing essential oils like lavender may complement cupping. Try diffusing calming scents at home or incorporating them into soothing baths.

Journaling

Writing about emotions, worries, and anxiety triggers can promote self-reflection and awareness. Journaling can be done alone or as part of therapy.

The Bottom Line

Cupping therapy offers a way to physically relieve muscle tension and stagnation that may manifest as anxiety. While more research is needed, some evidence indicates cupping can reduce pain, depression, and anxiety symptoms.

When incorporated into a self-care routine with other stress management practices, cupping massage may aid holistic anxiety relief. But it should not replace any medical treatment or psychotherapy for anxiety.

If youre interested in trying cupping for anxiety, consult a qualified practitioner to learn if it's right for you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.