Cupping has been used for thousands of years in various cultures. Among other things, it is part of TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine. The indications range from tension in the back or muscle pain to nerve pain and psychological problems. What cupping exactly is and how the treatment with the cupping glasses works, we explain below.
What is cupping?
Cupping is an alternative medical treatment method that has been used in numerous cultural circles over thousands of years and is one of the draining procedures. Today, cupping is usually used in combination with other treatment procedures. By sucking the skin with the help of a cupping glass, the underlying tissue can be loosened. Therefore, cupping is used, for example, for muscle tension and its consequences, such as certain types of headaches.
How does cupping work?
In order for the skin to be sucked into the glass, a vacuum must be created in it beforehand. This is traditionally done by heating the cupping glasses. A cotton ball soaked in alcohol is lit and held in the glass. It is then removed and the glass is placed on the skin. The air cools down and a vacuum is created. In the meantime, however, there are also special pumping devices that create the vacuum in the glass. The shape of the cupping glasses is reminiscent of a bell. They are available in different sizes and they are now also available in plastic.
What is cupping good for?
Since cupping – cupping in English – was practiced early on in many different places around the world, there are also many different explanations for its effects. Those who are influenced by Western conventional medicine are probably most comfortable with the explanation that cupping treatments might have a tension-relieving effect. In addition, cupping stimulates local blood circulation. As a result, the lymphatic flow and generally the metabolism in the treated area can improve. In traditional Chinese medicine, cupping is used to re-harmonize the flow of the life energy chi. In TCM, diseases are understood as irregularities in the flow of chi. In addition, cupping is said to act on the internal organs and organ systems connected to these points at special reflex zones and to strengthen the self-healing powers. In Europe, on the other hand, the idea that symptoms of disease were the result of a “juice imbalance” in the body long prevailed. Accordingly, for healing, it should be necessary to eliminate the harmful “juices”. Thus, cupping came to its importance here as well.
With which complaints is cupped?
Mainly cupping is used for tension in the muscles and pain caused by this, as well as other complaints of the musculoskeletal system. Cupping treatment can also alleviate the symptoms of a cold. However, there are other areas of application, for example:
- Digestive complaints
- Headache
- Mental exhaustion and stress
- Chronic inflammation
- Lung problems such as asthma
- Menstrual and menopausal symptoms
For whom is cupping not suitable?
Do not use cupping in case of allergic reactions and inflammation of the skin in the areas to be treated. Areas with moles, scars or sunburn, as well as zones where radiation therapy is being performed or has recently been performed, must also be omitted from the treatment. Anyone suffering from blood clotting disorders or taking blood thinners such as Marcumar must also refrain from cupping.
Cosmetic cupping
However, cupping treatment can be done not only for medical reasons, but also for cosmetic reasons. Since it improves blood circulation and stimulates metabolism, cupping is also used against cellulite. In addition, the procedure is said to have an anti-aging effect because it smooths wrinkles. If you want to cupping the face, be sure to use specially made glasses.
What are the cupping methods?
There are three cupping methods:
- Dry cupping
- Bloody cupping
- Cupping massage
Either the glasses are placed on reflex points, which are also known from acupuncture, or the practitioner scans the skin beforehand to find hardenings and irregularities, which are then cupped. How often cupping is done depends on the individual case.
Dry cupping
Dry cupping is performed as already described above, the skin is not pre-treated. Such a treatment lasts a maximum of fifteen minutes. As a result, bruising may occur, also a feeling like muscle soreness may occur. However, these “side effects” after cupping are local reactions that subside in the course of a few days after treatment.
Bloody cupping: hacamat or hijama.
In bloody cupping, also called hacamat or hijama, the skin areas where the glasses are applied are incised in advance. Here it is necessary to work quite hygienically. Therefore, this cupping method belongs only in the hands of a doctor or alternative practitioner. A so-called cupping cutter (a device with lancets used for scratching the skin) can be used for scratching, but some also work with sterile lancets. The negative pressure in the cupping glass causes blood and tissue water to escape during cupping. Treatment by this method is also usually carried out for no longer than fifteen minutes. However, it can be stopped earlier when no more blood comes out. Such treatment is said to improve the flow of blood, moreover, it is said to discharge harmful substances. When stimulating reflex points, bloody cupping is said to offer advantages, as it is said to trigger stronger stimuli.
What is a cupping massage?
Before a cupping massage, the area of skin to be treated is oiled or creamed before the cupping glasses are passed over the skin. This massage is painful. How long it lasts therefore depends on the pain sensitivity of the person being treated. It is rarely performed for more than a few minutes. As a result, skin discoloration forms along the massage lines.
Who is allowed to do cupping?
As a medical science, cupping belongs in the hands of a physician or alternative practitioner who has experience with this treatment method. Self-treatment or treating friends and family members is possible, but not recommended. In no case should laymen use bloody cupping, as it can lead to serious infections. Cupping can be learned, for example, in seminars at alternative practitioner schools. Cupping sets with instructions for use at home can be purchased on the Internet.
What does cupping cost?
Since there is insufficient scientific evidence of the effectiveness of cupping therapy, public health insurance companies do not pay for such treatments for the most part. The cost of a session ranges from twenty to eighty euros.
