Cupping Therapy: Types, Benefits, Process & Side Effects (2024)

• Introduction
  • What is cupping therapy?
• Types
  • What are the types of cupping therapy?
• How It Works
  • What does cupping therapy do?
• Benefits
  • What are the benefits of cupping therapy?
• Treatment
  • What does cupping therapy treat?
• Side Effects
  • What are the side effects of cupping therapy?
• Bruising
  • How long do cupping therapy bruises last?

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping is a therapy used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to remove stagnation and stimulate the flow of qi (chi). Cupping therapy aims to restore balance by addressing disruptions in qi, which is the free flow of vital energy circulating through the body and the world around us. If the qi is disrupted or disturbed, it can create stagnation (blockages) or imbalances in the body. Through cupping therapy, practitioners seek to promote healing and overall well-being by enhancing the movement of qi.

What is cupping in a massage?

A therapeutic cupping treatment involves warming and placing cups, usually made of glass, on the skin. By warming the air within the cup, a vacuum is created, and when it is applied to the skin, the tissue is drawn up into the cup. This technique is often referred to as cupping massage, which combines the benefits of traditional massage with the unique effects of cupping therapy.

How does cupping work?

What does cupping do? The practice increases blood flow, loosens the fascia or connective tissue, and is thought to stimulate healing. It is similar to the way deep tissue massage can be used to break up scar tissue and reduce pain. In cupping, the cups are often placed on the back, neck, and shoulders or at the site of pain.

Cupping therapy may cause temporary bruising and soreness, depending upon the degree of suction created by the vacuum and the level of internal stagnation. According to TCM, this would be a favorable outcome, suggesting the treatment has successfully removed toxins and stagnation. The cups are removed by lifting one edge, which allows air in and breaks the seal and vacuum.

What are the types of cupping therapy?

Different types of cupping are selected based on the treatment goals of the acupuncturist. There are also different types of cups. Most commonly, cups used in cupping therapy are made out of glass. However, a thousand years ago, cups were made of bamboo, clay, or animal horns.

• Classic cupping: According to Ann Michelle Casco, L.Ac., a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist, the classic cupping technique is called ba guan zi, which is fire or dry cupping. This involves placing the cup over an ashi (painful area) point or an acupuncture point along an energy meridian. The cups are left in place anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the nature of the individual's condition. A general course of treatment involves 4-6sessions at intervals of 3-10 days.
• Sliding cups: The sliding cups technique is traditionally performed on large muscle groups of the back to treat pain and muscle spasms. Massage oil is applied to the skin prior to the cups being placed, which allows the cups to glide easily over the surface of the skin while keeping the vacuum sealed
• Air cupping: With air cupping, an alternative to fire cupping, a handheld suction pump is used to remove air from the cups, creating the vacuum without heat. Some clinical research from China suggests this innovation in cupping technology is more comfortable for patients. This technique has gained significant popularity as it does not require heating or flames.
• Wet cupping: Wet cupping combines an acupuncture technique called bleeding with cupping. A lancet is used to prick the skin before the cup is applied, which encourages a small amount of blood to flow from the area. This treatment is thought to dispel internal toxins. TCM practitioners in China use this technique for "cooling" inflammatory conditions.

What does cupping therapy do?

What is cupping therapy good for? TCM teaches that it is the stagnation of qi and blood that causes pain and disease. Cupping invigorates local circulation of qi and blood in the area being treated, resolving swelling, pain, and tension. By drawing impurities to the surface, it removes toxins.

From a Western physiology perspective, cupping loosens connective tissue or fascia and increasesblood flow to the surface. Cupping also stimulates tissue relaxation and better cell-to-cell communication. The research of U.S. physiologist and acupuncturist Helene Langevin has documented cell-level changes using an ultrasound camera. She has demonstrated that techniques like cupping, acupuncture, and massage relax tissue and reduce markers of inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers) are reduced, and cytokines that promote healing and relaxation are increased through cupping therapy.

What are the benefits of cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy benefits include local pain relief and muscle relaxation. Cupping improves overall health by removing the energy blockages that TCM practitioners identify as barriers to the flow of healthy energy or qi. For athletes, cupping may help increase blood flow to a particular muscle region or help reduce pain. Numerous athletes from the Olympics in Rio 2016 used cupping. This was easily seen by circular markings on some of the U.S. swim team members. Cupping has gained popularity as a recovery tool among athletes for its potential benefits in enhancing performance and alleviating discomfort.

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What does cupping therapy treat?

Cupping is traditionally used to treat lung disorders like:

• cough,
• bronchial congestion, and
• asthma.

It is also traditionally used for:

• paralysis,
• digestive complaints, and
• pain.

Researchers have studied cupping primarily in China, finding benefits for conditions such as anxiety, depression, back pain, varicose veins, high blood pressure, eczema, acne, fertility, arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, anemia, shingles (herpes zoster), insomnia, and gout.

While the quality of some of these clinical trials is not up to U.S. standards, the findings of actual benefits are significant, especially given the low risk of the side effects associated with cupping.

Who performs cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy is generally performed by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine.

Cupping techniques are described and can be found in the textbooks of TCM from over 1,000 years ago. To find a practitioner skilled and licensed to provide cupping, look for an acupuncturist licensed by a national or state accrediting agency, such as the State of California Acupuncture Board or the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Practitioners with these certifications have had over 3,000 hours of training at a reputable school and passed examinations required for the safe and legal practice of acupuncture and cupping therapy.

What are the side effects of cupping therapy?

Cupping frequently causes marks on the skin. This is due to bringing blood to the surface, similar to a bruise. For patients with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or who are being treated with anticoagulants, cupping may not be the best treatment option. People with these conditions should discuss the pros and cons of treatment with their acupuncturist or doctor before receiving cupping.

Cupping should not be performed on skin sites with active inflammation, burns, infection, or open wounds. Some discomfort can occur but should not be considered a side effect. Moderate, temporary discomfort is expected as stagnation is removed, and connective tissue and muscles are loosened during cupping.

Practitioners (especially traditional Western health care providers) need to be aware of cupping as a treatment modality. In children, the bruising and discolorations post-cupping can be mistaken as a sign of child abuse.

What are the dangers of cupping? The dangers of cupping include potential skin damage, such as bruising and irritation, as well as discomfort at the application sites due to the suction created by the cups. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications are at a higher risk for significant bruising or bleeding. Cupping should also be avoided on areas with infections, burns, or open wounds, as this can worsen these conditions or lead to complications. It is advisable to consult a health care professional experienced in cupping therapy before undergoing treatment.

How long do cupping therapy bruises last?

The bruises fromcupping can last for a few days up to 2 weeks. According to TCM practitioner Casco, it is expected that over several weeks of repeated cupping treatments, the bruising will decrease as the stagnation resolves. This indicates a successful result of the cupping treatment protocol. The duration of the bruises may vary depending on individual factors, including skin sensitivity and the degree of suction used during cupping.

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Frequently asked questions

• What is the main reason for cupping?Cupping is primarily used to promote blood circulation, alleviate pain, relieve muscle tension, enhance relaxation, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being by increasing blood flow to affected areas. It is believed to enhance the body's natural healing processes and provide pain relief. While it is often employed in traditional medicine practices, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is mixed.
• What are the side effects of cupping therapy?Cupping therapy can cause side effects such as localized bruising, redness, skin irritation, and mild pain and discomfort at the application sites. Some individuals may also experience temporary soreness, headaches, fatigue, or, rarely, burns if the cups are not applied correctly. While serious complications are uncommon, proper technique and hygiene are essential to minimize risks.
• What toxins does cupping remove?Cupping therapy is thought to help remove metabolic waste and stagnant blood, which some practitioners refer to as "toxins." The suction created during cupping is believed to stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage, potentially facilitating the healing process and enhancing the body's natural detoxification mechanisms. However, scientific evidence supporting the specific removal of toxins is limited, and the concept is often regarded as more theoretical than proven.
• Is it OK to do cupping every day?Performing cupping therapy every day is generally not advisable, as frequent sessions can lead to skin irritation and prolonged bruising. Most practitioners recommend allowing at least a few days between treatments to ensure proper recovery and to assess the body's response. Individual tolerance and specific conditions should be discussed with a qualified practitioner for optimal results.
• Who should not do cupping? Cupping therapy should be avoided by individuals with certain conditions, including skin infections, open wounds, severe skin sensitivities, or a history of bleeding disorders, as cupping may worsen these issues. Pregnant individuals and those with serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, seizures, and bleeding disorders, should also refrain from cupping unless directed otherwise by a healthcare professional. It is essential to consult with a qualified practitioner to determine if cupping is appropriate for your specific situation.

From

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Fox, J.R., W. Gray, C. Koptiuch, G.J. Badger, and H.M. Langevin. "Anisotropic tissue motion induced by acupuncture needling along intermuscular connective tissue planes." J Altern Complement Med 20.4 April 2014: 290-294.

Lauche, R., et al. "Cupping for chronic nonspecific neck pain: a 2-year follow-up." Forsch Komplementmed 20.5: 328-333.

Li, J., H. Zhang, J. Yang, X. Xu, Y. Niu, and J. Cai. "Innovation of characteristic medicinal cupping devices." Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 35.8: 819-822.

Lu, J., et al. "[The change of negative pressure in the cupping-cup and its influence on the depth of filiform-needle insertion]." Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi 27.1: 71-74.

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

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Uddin, Syed Mohammad Mazhar, et al. "The Use of Hijama (Wet Cupping) in Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Efficacious or Perilous?" Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies 9.6 Dec. 2016: 285-286.

United States. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. "In the News: Cupping." Aug. 19, 2016.