Pneumatic pulsation therapy (PPT) according to Deny is a therapeutic procedure that originated in the classical method of cupping. Thus, it belongs to the draining procedures of alternative medicine. Classical cupping consists of treatment by glass bells (so-called cupping glasses), which are fixed on the skin by negative pressure. Pneumatic pulsation therapy, on the other hand, alternates between negative pressure and atmospheric pressure at a defined frequency to produce its effects. In addition to treating a number of diseases, the procedure can also be used for preventive health maintenance and vitality promotion.
Indications (areas of application)
- Acne (e.g., acne vulgaris).
- Bronchitis
- Cellulite
- Circulatory disorders
- Decubitus prophylaxis – a decubitus is a local tissue death due to compression (pressure effect) of the supplying vessels.
- Calcaneal spur – so-called heel spur; a thorn-like, bony protrusion of the tuber calcanei (calcaneus of the foot) at the base of overused tendons, which can cause inflammation
- Lymphatic congestion
- Migraine
- Myogelosis – nodular or bulging, clearly circumscribed hardening in the muscles (colloquially known as hard tension).
- Scar growths
- Neuralgia – nerve pain confined to the area supplied by one (or more) nerves.
- Sports injuries
- Tendopathies – changes or inflammation of tendon origins and attachments.
- Digestive disorders
The procedure
Pneumatic pulsation therapy combines the classic methods of cupping, lymphatic drainage and massage or reflexology. PPT is based on the principle of a suction massage, suction of the skin, subcutaneous fatty tissue and muscles occurs. The device generates rhythmic pulses under a suction cup, which oscillate vertically to the skin surface. It alternately generates negative pressure and atmospheric pressure. The frequency is usually about 3 Hz (200 oscillations per minute). The method is versatile and has the following effects:
- Metabolism activation
- Acceleration of blood circulation – thereby improving oxygen supply, especially in the periphery.
- Improved supply of the tissue with vital substances (micronutrients e.g. minerals, vitamins) and messenger substances (eg hormones).
- Improvement of lymphatic drainage and venous drainage
- Stimulation of detoxification processes (purification) – inflammatory mediators, metabolic waste products and stored environmental pollutants are mobilized and brought to the excretion
- Solution of tension in the muscles
- Relaxation of the tissue structure
- Normalization of neurovegetative reflex pathways – through connections of the nerves in the superficial tissues with the organ system can be influenced.
- Psychological relaxation
- Pain relief
Pneumatic pulsation therapy not only achieves a good effect directly in the skin, the negative pressure waves also affect deeper tissues. The procedure primarily causes improved blood circulation, which can trigger and accelerate healing processes. Unlike cupping, there is no risk of hematoma (bruising) due to the usual constant negative pressure. Areas of application of pneumatic pulsation therapy are, in addition to lymphatic drainage and massage, primarily orthopedic indications and muscular complaints, as well as cosmetic indications (e.g., cellulite).
Benefits
Pneumatic pulsation therapy is a useful adjunct to conventional medical treatment and can be supportive in promoting the patient’s well-being.
