Everything You Need to Know!
Cupping is an ancient form of therapy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. It involves placing cups on the skin, creating a vacuum that draws up blood and tissue. This can help to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
There are two main types of cupping: dry cupping and wet cupping. With dry cupping, the cups are placed on the skin and either left in place for a few minutes or moved by a physical therapist. With wet cupping, The therapist first makes a small incision in the skin, and the blood is drawn out inside of the cup.
Dry cupping is generally considered to be safe, but it can cause some side effects, such as bruising, redness, and soreness. Wet cupping is more likely to cause side effects, such as bleeding and scarring.
Cupping is not a cure for any medical condition, but it can be used to relieve pain and improve circulation. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as massage or acupuncture. Many of my clients report feeling like a weight has been lifted off of them, they feel lighter and they feel like the treatment has melted tightness away. It can be an uncomfortable treatment at first but the discomfort does not last long.
A study carried out at a University in Brazil found that both dry and wet cupping therapy may be effective for reducing pain and improving quality of life in people with low back pain. source: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5270305/rodrigo-scattone-da-silva
If you are considering cupping, be sure to find a qualified therapist first. You can do this using the FHT directory. You can also book in with Roks Therapy here. A couple of things to note; the marks can last unto a month and you may feel hyper sensitive for a few days. There are some other side effects but these are the main two that most people experience.
Here are some of the benefits of dry cupping:
Improves circulation: Cupping can help to improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the area being treated. This can help to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension.
Reduces inflammation: Cupping can help to reduce inflammation by drawing out toxins and waste products from the body. This can help to improve pain and other symptoms of inflammation.
Relieves pain: Cupping can help to relieve pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.
Improves range of motion:Cupping can help to improve range of motion by loosening up tight muscles and tissues.
Boosts the immune system:Cupping can help to boost the immune system by increasing white blood cell production. This can help to fight off infection and disease.
There are two main types of dry cupping therapy:
Fire cupping: This is the traditional method of cupping. A cup is heated with a flame and then placed on the skin. The heat causes the air inside the cup to expand, creating a vacuum. This suction pulls the skin up, creating a cupping mark.
Pump cupping: This is a newer method of cupping that uses a pump to create the vacuum. The pump is attached to the cup, and the therapist uses the pump to create a suction. This suction pulls the skin up, creating a cupping mark. This is the form I use at Roks Therapy.
There are also a few variations of dry cupping therapy:
Moving cupping: This is a type of dry cupping where the cups are moved around the body. This can be done to massage the muscles or to target specific areas of the body.
Wet cupping: This is a type of dry cupping where the therapist makes a small incision in the skin before applying the cup. This allows blood to flow into the cup, which can be seen as a sign of detoxification.
There are many other therapies that can complement dry cupping. Some of the most common include:
Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help to relax muscles and improve circulation, which can make dry cupping more effective.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help to release endorphins, which have pain-relieving properties.
Stretching: Stretching can help to improve flexibility and range of motion, which can make dry cupping more comfortable.
Yoga: Yoga can help to improve flexibility, strength, and balance, all of which can be beneficial for people who are considering dry cupping.
Diet and nutrition: Eating a healthy diet and getting enough nutrients can help to support the body's natural healing process and make dry cupping more effective.
Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, and it can also help to improve the results of dry cupping.
If you have any further questions or want more advice on whether cupping is right for you, please get in touch!