What to Know about Cupping Therapy

During the Tokyo Olympics, many spectators noticed prominent dark red circular marks on the upper bodies of Australian swimming sensation Kyle Chalmers and Japanese swimmer Akira Namba. A few years earlier, at the Rio Olympics, the cupping marks on American swimmer Michael Phelps drew attention, with him even posting pictures on his social media stating, “I even do cupping between races, I love cupping.” In fact, this traditional Chinese medical therapy has been popular in the sports and entertainment circles of Europe and America for many years. Many Hollywood celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Jennifer Aniston are enthusiasts of cupping. What makes this globally popular traditional Chinese health practice so appealing?

Benefits

Cupping therapy, which acts on the surface of the body, adjusts organ function through holistic effects on organs, meridians, qi, and blood, balancing yin and yang. During cupping therapy, the body’s self-adjustment produces effects such as promoting circulation, relaxing muscles and meridians, reducing swelling and pain, and dispelling wind and dampness, providing a benign stimulus that helps the body restore normal function.

Balancing Yin and Yang

Cupping balances yin and yang through acupoint compatibility and cupping techniques. For example, for conditions affecting meridians or superficial tissues, light cupping is suitable, while for conditions affecting tendons and bones, heavier cupping is recommended. Cupping’s regulation of yin and yang balance is bidirectional; for example, after cupping therapy, blood pressure may rise if it’s low and vice versa if it’s high.

Activating Blood Circulation and Removing Blood Stasis

According to traditional Chinese medicine, “if there is blockage, there is pain; if there is pain, there is blockage.” When the body’s muscles, ligaments, or bones are injured, local blood stasis occurs, impeding the flow of qi and blood in the meridians. Cupping therapy applied to corresponding acupuncture points can eliminate blood stasis, promote the generation of new blood, unblock meridians, and promote the circulation of qi and blood, achieving the goal of “no pain if circulation is unobstructed.”

Clearing Heat and Reducing Swelling

Following the principle of “heat engenders illness” in traditional Chinese medical treatment, cupping therapy stimulates the expulsion of pathogenic heat, aiming to clear heat. By stimulating the skin and subcutaneous tissues, cupping helps expel internal pathogenic heat, ultimately clearing heat and toxins from the body.

Harmonizing Zang-Fu Organs

Cupping therapy induces negative pressure at the local meridians and acupoints, causing congestion and stasis changes. As the acupoints are connected to the internal Zang-Fu organs through the meridians, cupping therapy can treat various organ diseases.

Does Cupping Therapy Work?

The principle of cupping therapy lies in creating negative pressure on the skin, causing local congestion and stasis, which stimulates the body’s self-regulatory functions. This stimulation can trigger the body’s natural healing abilities, promoting blood circulation and metabolism. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, cupping therapy can dredge meridians, allowing qi and blood to flow smoothly, thus treating diseases. Besides meridian dredging, cupping therapy also has the effect of promoting blood circulation. By stimulating the nerves, muscles, and blood vessels under the skin, cupping can improve vascular function, helping promote local blood circulation. This has significant effects on relieving muscle pain, eliminating fatigue, etc.

Additionally, cupping therapy can dispel wind and scatter cold. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, wind and cold are culprits in many diseases. Cupping therapy helps expel dampness and cold from the body by stimulating the skin and subcutaneous tissues, which is beneficial for treating cold-related diseases like colds and coughs.

Uses

Periarthritis of the Shoulder

Cupping therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing periarthritis of the shoulder, a condition characterized by inflammation and pain around the shoulder joint. By improving blood circulation and reducing muscle tension, cupping may help alleviate discomfort and enhance mobility in the affected shoulder.

Dysmenorrhea

Women suffering from dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, may find relief through cupping therapy. The gentle suction of the cups applied to the lower abdomen and lower back can help alleviate menstrual cramps by promoting relaxation of the uterine muscles and improving blood flow to the pelvic region.

Obesity

While cupping therapy alone is not a weight-loss solution, it can complement a comprehensive weight management plan. By targeting specific acupuncture points related to digestion and metabolism, cupping may help support weight loss efforts by promoting detoxification, reducing fluid retention, and enhancing overall well-being.

Cervical Spondylosis

Cupping therapy may offer relief for individuals suffering from cervical spondylosis, a degenerative condition affecting the cervical spine. By increasing circulation to the neck and shoulder area and relieving muscle tension, cupping can help alleviate pain, stiffness, and discomfort associated with cervical spondylosis.

Stomach Pain

Cupping therapy has been used traditionally to address various digestive issues, including stomach pain. By stimulating specific acupuncture points along the abdomen and back, cupping may help improve digestion, reduce bloating, and alleviate abdominal discomfort associated with gastritis, indigestion, or other gastrointestinal problems.

Headache

Cupping therapy can be a soothing and effective adjunctive treatment for tension headaches or migraines. By promoting relaxation and relieving muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, cupping may help alleviate headache symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Colds

Cupping therapy is often used as a natural remedy to alleviate symptoms of the common cold, such as congestion and coughing. By promoting lymphatic drainage and stimulating the immune system, cupping may help shorten the duration of a cold and alleviate respiratory discomfort.

How to Do Cupping Therapy at Home

One of the most widely used cupping methods is fire cupping, which typically involves using either the fire-lighting or flash-fire methods to create negative pressure inside the cup after burning air, causing it to adhere to the skin.

• Fire-Lighting Method: Ignite combustible paper or alcohol cotton balls and quickly place them into the cup, then swiftly apply the cup to the desired area. This method, due to residual combustion substances, can cause burns if they fall off, so it’s generally used for horizontal cupping on limbs.
• Flash-Fire Method: Hold ignited alcohol cotton balls with tweezers, rotate them inside the cup a few times, then quickly apply the cup to the desired area. This method is safer than the fire-lighting method and not limited by body position. However, it requires swift action, as the cup may not adhere to the skin once the air temperature inside the cup drops.
• While the air extraction method lacks a long history, it’s relatively simple compared to fire cupping. It uses mechanical devices to draw out air from the cup, creating negative pressure that adheres the cup to the skin. This process doesn’t involve combustion, making it safer, but its efficacy in meridian activation and blood circulation may be reduced.

Conclusion

In summary, cupping therapy, deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has gained significant attention worldwide, particularly within sports and entertainment circles. Its ancient principles, coupled with modern applications, offer a holistic approach to health and wellness. Whether alleviating specific ailments or promoting overall well-being, cupping therapy presents a natural and non-invasive option. However, it’s vital to seek guidance from qualified practitioners and consider individual health needs. With proper understanding and care, cupping therapy can be a valuable addition to one’s wellness routine.