What is cupping?
Also known as cupping therapy or vacuum therapy, cupping is a muscle recovery therapy that comes from traditional Chinese medicine. Through cupping, it is a technique that opens the ducts of the body through which energy flows, providing benefits similar to those of acupuncture.
There are different types of cupping:
- Massage: a massage is performed by sliding the cup from one side of the body to the other, after applying body oils or lotions.
- Fixed cupping: it is used to treat specific areas of the body, placing the cup on certain points.
- Application and removal of the cupping cup: this type of cupping is used only on the back. The cupping cup is applied and removed after a few seconds.
- Suction bleeding: a suction cup is applied to a congested area for three minutes to make an incision. In this way, a small amount of blood comes out and allows decongesting the area.
Why is it performed?
It is used to treat different problems such as the following, among many others:
- Migraine
- Rheumatic diseases: arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- Infertility
- Psychological problems: anxiety and depression
- Blood disorders: hemophilia and anemia
- Dermatological diseases: acne and eczema
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Hypertension
What does it consist of?
This therapy consists of applying a series of cups or a glass on the skin making a vacuum, so that it acts as a suction cup. This allows to stimulate blood flow in the area to be treated.
They are placed on the skin, facilitating the circulation of blood through the area, which allows oxygenating the muscles. In addition, cupping allows to open the pores and stimulate the lymphatic circulation.
Preparation for cupping
Previously, to apply the technique, a cotton swab moistened with alcohol is burned and introduced into the cup or glass, so that it is heated to high temperature, because it can remove the air inside and make the vacuum effect when placed on the area to be treated.
Care after the procedure
The cupping treatment has a number of side effects, so that care after the intervention are intended to check these adverse effects in case they are serious.
Among the adverse effects of cupping are the risk of occurrence of:
- Bruising, which disappears within a week.
- Blisters on the skin
- Prolonged suction
Alternatives to this treatment (other more advanced treatments)
An alternative to auriculotherapy treatment is acupuncture which, in some cases, are two complementary techniques.