Is Cupping Therapy Right For Me?
By Cristina Minoletti
A Short History of Cupping
The earliest evidence of Cupping Therapy lies with the Ancient Egyptians around 1550BCE in one of the oldest medical text books: The Ebers Papyrus.
It has been used by many civilisations since, including the Ancient Greeks, Romans, Chinese and in Ancient Islamic traditions.
Its' use has been varied over the millennia, to treat disease, fever, pain, stagnation of fluids and energy and to encourage detoxification.
Initially animal horns were used, followed by bamboo, clay and brass. Nowadays, we use glass, plastic and silicone to achieve results.
There are two types of Cupping Therapy that exist today:
Wet Cupping - This method involves making small incisions or abrasions in the skin and then placing a cup over the top, creating a vacuum to draw blood out of the tissues. This type of Cupping can be used used for pain relief, immune system support and detoxification.
Dry Cupping - This method creates suction on the skin, creating negative pressure that lifts the skin. This type of Cupping can help to increase circulation, restore flexibility and alleviate pain in a specific area.
In my practice, I use Dry Cupping Only using both hard plastic and softer silicone cups.
How can Cupping Therapy Help Me?
Soft Silicone Cups (Left) and Hard Plastic Cups (Right)
Silicone Cups
Silicone Cups are really effective for creating space and increasing circulation in the connective tissue. They are used dynamically, in constant motion, and are great over large areas like the back and upper legs. Over healthy tissue, they glide easily. In areas of increased stagnation and adhesion, they move more sluggishly. You may feel a mild burning or pinching sensation, as they pick up the fibres and break up adhesions within.
Is This Type Of Cupping Therapy Right For Me?
If you feel generalised stiffness and tightness anywhere in your back, shoulders or legs, this dynamic cupping treatment is perfect for you!
Plastic Cups
The hard Plastic Cups are ideal for targeting specific areas, especially around joints. This type of Cupping can feel more intense than the dynamic cupping, but should never be painful. I will communicate with you throughout the application to ensure your comfort.
The Plastic Cups can be used in two different ways:
Soft Tissue Release (Pin and Stretch) - The cups are placed to 'pin' an an area of muscle in tension or spasm while it is manually stretched, either passively (by me) or actively (by you).
Trigger Point Targeting - The cups are left in place for several minutes, increasing circulation to specific trigger points (knots), which are thought to be caused by lack of blood flow to the muscle fibres.
Is This Type Of Cupping Therapy Right For Me?
If you are struggling with a loss of range of motion in a particular joint: shoulder, elbow, hip, knee or ankle. These two methods of Cupping can help to increase movement and reset the signals from the nervous system that are creating contraction in the muscles around the joint.
Who should NOT receive Cupping Therapy?
As with all types of bodywork, there are contraindications for Cupping Therapy. These are specific conditions that make a treatment less effective and could cause adverse effects.
Some common contraindications for Cupping Therapy are:
Blood Clots
Bleeding Disorders
Cancer
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Pregnancy
Bruise Easily
What About Cupping Marks?
Due to the vacuum mechanism in Cupping Therapy, Cups may leave marks on the skin.
These are NOT bruises. These marks do NOT hurt.
It is believed the marks are caused by blood and lymphatic fluid flowing into the area, bringing molecules like iron, carbon dioxide and bilirubin which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
These marks do fade, however, they may remain visible for up to six weeks, so it is important to factor that into your decision to choose Cupping Therapy.
My Personal Experience With Cupping Therapy
I have received Cupping Therapy myself many times. As a Massage Therapist, I have experienced various work related injuries over the years. Each time scared to think I may have to cut the career that I love so much short because I'm in pain and continuing would only make it worse.
I have found Cupping Therapy to be extremely effective when overuse has created pain and tension in my joints.
I find the Dynamic Cupping of the silicone cups is very relaxing and keeps me feeling limber and the hard Plastic Cups have helped to resolve issues, especially in my shoulders. The marks are temporary and well worth the feeling of relief I get from a successful Cupping Session and can get back to work pain free.
I encourage you to try it and see what Cupping Therapy can do for You!
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