Traditional suction therapy
...a powerful way to mobilise the immune system!
What is cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy, including the use of Chinese cups, has been practised for thousands of years. This therapeutic method can be performed in various ways, such as fire cupping (using heat) or vacuum cupping (without heat). In some cases, it involves making small incisions on the skin (known as wet cupping). Cups can be applied to specific areas of the body or used in massage techniques like vacuum massage.
Cups differ in size, shape, and the material they are made from, including glass, plastic, silicone, and bamboo. Regardless of the method or type of cup used, cupping therapy aims to enhance both physical and mental well-being by triggering the body’s natural self-healing processes and restoring balance.
Vacuum cupping
Vacuum cups offer the same therapeutic benefits as fire cups on a physical level. However, they have advantages in at least two key aspects:
- They allow for precise control of the pressure inside the cup.
- They eliminate the risk of burns, making the experience less stressful for both the client and therapist.
Applications of cupping therapy
- Boosting the immune system.
- Supporting the treatment of infections (acute or chronic, particularly respiratory infections).
- Relieving pain, especially muscle tension-related pain.
- Improving the functioning of internal organs.
- Relaxing the body and mind by reducing muscle tension.
- Improving skin quality (reduce wrinkles and cellulite).
- Alleviating insect bites.
Activating self-healing processes
Cupping therapy stimulates the body’s self-repair mechanisms, enabling it to restore balance and improve overall physical and mental health.
Some practitioners believe that fire and heat are the primary healing factors in cupping therapy. However, recent scientific studies suggest that it is the vacuum pressure that provides therapeutic benefits. The vacuum draws the skin into the cup, causing minor damage to the capillaries beneath the skin and allowing a small amount of blood to escape into surrounding tissues.
This process results in visible bruises or discolourations, which typically fade within a few days. The immune system recognises the leaked blood as foreign and triggers the production of immune cells to respond. This “army” of immune cells helps the body fight infections, inflammation, and toxins.
Cupping and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
In TCM, the vacuum created during cupping stimulates nerve endings in the skin, increasing blood flow, oxygenation, toxin removal, and nourishment of internal organs connected to the specific area of the skin being treated.
This concept aligns with the principles of acupuncture, a central component of TCM. According to TCM, internal organs are connected to specific points on the skin via meridians, which are channels through which life energy, or Qi, flows.
Restoring the flow of Qi
Cupping stimulates meridian points, promoting the circulation of Qi and balancing its levels. This influences the function of the associated internal organs, helping to restore equilibrium, alleviate discomfort, and accelerate recovery. In TCM, restoring proper circulation of Qi and blood is a fundamental goal, as disruptions in this flow are believed to be the root causes of illness and pain.
Vacuum massage with cups
Vacuum massage involves using cups to create suction that affects the skin and underlying tissues. This technique has a deeper therapeutic impact than traditional massage. It increases blood flow, improves oxygenation, nourishes tissues, and enhances lymphatic system function, promoting detoxification by eliminating metabolic waste and harmful substances.
This massage smooths the skin, reduces cellulite, and minimises wrinkles (particularly in facial massage). It is also an effective method for relaxing and relieving muscle tension, benefiting not only the skin and muscles but also internal organs and the immune system through reflexive effects.
When performed on the back, vacuum massage stimulates acupuncture points along the Bladder Meridian and the Du Mai channel, mobilising the body’s defences.
Indications for cupping therapy
Cupping therapy is beneficial for:
- Upper respiratory infections (acute and chronic, including colds, flu, pharyngitis, and recurrent tonsillitis).
- Lower respiratory infections (acute and chronic, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma).
- Preventative care to strengthen the immune system.
- Bedsores prevention.
- Muscle and joint pain (including sciatica, neuralgia, and rheumatoid arthritis).
- Menstrual irregularities and painful periods.
- Nervous tension and stress-related disorders.
- Circulatory problems in specific areas of the body.
Contraindications for vacuum massage and cupping
Cupping and vacuum massage are not recommended for individuals with:
- Inflammatory skin conditions (infectious, fungal, or allergic).
- Blood clotting disorders (e.g., haemophilia).
- Fragile blood vessels or broken capillaries.
- Severe respiratory or circulatory insufficiency.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Severe physical exhaustion.
- Heart defects or diseases.
- Anaemia.
- Fever above 38.5°C.
- Uncontrolled hypertension or significant blood pressure fluctuations.
- Tuberculosis.
- Active cancer.
- Seizures.
- During menstruation.
Special precautions:
- Avoid cupping within the first 24 hours of an injury (e.g., bruising or swelling).
- Cupping should not be performed after consuming alcohol, immediately after meals, or during pregnancy (before the fourth month).
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