What is cupping?
Cupping is a centuries-old modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It uses clay cups to form a vacuum-like suction. Cupping pulls onto the superficial muscle layer to stimulate blood circulation, break up adhesion, and create a pathway for toxins to be drawn out of the body through the lymphatic system.
Cupping's suction is 4 inches deep, affecting blood vessels, fascia, muscles, and scar tissue. This supports myofascial decompression (MFD), which is why this modality is the most sought-after for athletic trainers and perfect for stress release.
Cupping is widely used to decompress adhesions and scar tissue, relax muscles and spasms, decrease the region of pain, and decrease tissue changes and inflammation following trauma. It also increases muscle endurance and circulation by improving lymphatic drainage and overall recovery speed from workouts and strenuous activities.
How is cupping done?
This process temporarily causes inflammation in the area, increasing the rate and amount of blood flow in and around the area. The theory is that this process helps initiate and promote the healing process of the affected soft tissues.
Trauma and problematic areas will show the severity of discolouration and bruising to boost recovery with better blood circulation to flush out the toxic stagnated blood.
The two types of cupping are stationary and gliding (cupping massage):
Stationary Cupping:
The treatment involves negative pressure, using suction applied by a cup to create a vacuum and draw the toxins to the skin's surface. This is followed by deep tissue massage. Stationary cuppings involve placing several cups in the treated region for 5-10 minutes, depending on the suction pressure.
Gliding (Cupping massage):
Gliding, also called cupping massage, involves lubricating the body to apply the gliding pressure of the cups, allowing the fascia tissue to release. The vacuum pressure increases to rigorously break down any regional adhesions and tensions. Using a cross-friction massage via the cupping suction, which involves pulling against the grain of the scar tissues and gliding strokes, the therapist re-introduced a more significant amount of trauma to the affected area.
Who can benefit from cupping massage?
The apparent benefit of cupping is the relief of pain and relaxation. It eases stiff tendons and muscles while removing congested blood from the muscles, providing overall wellness and a state of mental well-being ideal for those with stressful lifestyles.
Cupping enhances the cleansing and removal of toxins by increasing the flow of blood and plasma through the veins and arteries, including other benefits listed below:
Stimulates whole body relaxation response
Stimulates oxygenation and detoxification of blood
Promoting a feeling of lightness and relief of pressure
Detoxifies metabolic debris in muscle tissue, fascia, and skin
Increases range of motion
It breaks up adhesions and promotes healing in scar tissue
Supports chronic muscular and skeletal issues
Tight and stiff muscles such as back pain, sciatica, piriformis syndrome, IT band pain, rotator cuff injuries, plantar fasciitis
Increases lymphatic drainage & promotes circulation
Respiratory conditions: asthma, bronchitis
Emotional well-being: anxiety, depression, stress, migraines
High blood pressure by calming the nervous system
Improves the colon by clearing the blockages
Increase the appetite
Strengthen the stomach and digestion
Improves the bile flow and metabolism
Relieves constipation and promotes regularity of the bowels
Clinical research by PubMed, Effectiveness of self-management of dry and wet cupping therapy for low back pain, suggests that both wet and dry cupping show a significant reduction in pain.
Clinical research by PubMed, Evidence-based, and adverse-effects analyses of cupping therapy in musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation suggest that cupping therapy decreases pain and improves blood flow to the affected area with low adverse effects for those suffering from these conditions.
Clinical significance research by the National Library of Medicine concluded that wet cupping reduces headache severity by 66%. At the same time, a German study showcased the benefits of wet cupping in treating carpel tunnel syndrome.
Preparation for cupping massage
Fast for 2 hours before the session, and use plain liquids such as water, tea, and coffee without sweeteners. Shower before you come and wait at least 4 hours after the treatment to shower. Wear comfortable clothing, avoiding wool material touching the skin.
Please let the therapist know if you're taking blood thinner medications.
Summary
With ample evidence from clinical research and ongoing research, it has been proven that cupping, whether in a hijama, stationary, or gliding, reduces problematic symptoms, including reductions in muscular and skeletal conditions. Cupping increases and stimulates blood flow, boosting recovery and restricted movement, easing and refreshing mental clarity.
Akhtar (SAC. Dip), Lead Clinical Sports Therapist
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