Cupping therapy
Cupping therapy is an ancient healing technique that involves placing a hollow cup on the skin to create suction, drawing blood to the area and aiming to relieve local congestion. Traditionally associated with Chinese medicine, it is used to address various ailments, such as abdominal pain, arthritis, asthma, back pain, and other muscle-related issues. The practice may also target conditions like skin disorders, respiratory problems, and mental health concerns such as stress and anxiety.
The exact mechanisms behind cupping's effectiveness remain unclear, but it is believed to stimulate the body's natural healing processes, improve circulation, and reduce stagnant blood. While proponents of cupping claim it offers significant health benefits, much of the evidence is anecdotal, with limited scientific studies providing inconclusive results. Safety is a consideration, as cupping can lead to temporary bruising and should be performed by trained practitioners to prevent injury. Additionally, certain health conditions and situations, such as pregnancy or cardiovascular disease, contraindicate the practice.
Cupping therapy has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in Western countries, influenced by public figures endorsing its benefits. As interest in alternative therapies grows, further research is needed to evaluate cupping's efficacy in clinical settings.
Cupping therapy
DEFINITION: A skin-surface therapy involving cupped vessels under a vacuum to suction the skin and relieve local congestion.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Abdominal pain, arthritis, asthma, back pain, chronic pain, cough, headache, indigestion, menstrual disturbances, other forms of muscle pain
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Acne, breast enhancement, cellulite, common cold, hypertension, insomnia, paralysis, respiratory issues, stress, anxiety
Overview
Cupping, typically associated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is one of the oldest known therapeutic practices in the world. Cupping involves attaching a hollow cupped vessel to the skin's surface by heat or air suction. Once a vacuum is created, the underlying tissue is lifted, and blood is drawn to the area. The degree of skin discoloration indicates the nature of the congestion. The number, size, type, and movement of the cup and the degree and duration of suction can be varied according to the ailment being treated.
Mechanism of Action
The exact healing mechanism of cupping is unknown. Cupping is thought to stimulate the body’s natural energy to promote healing by reducing stagnant blood, activating the immune system, improving circulation, and helping the body detoxify. Another possible explanation is the placebo effect.
Uses and Applications
Cupping therapy is primarily used to relieve pain, gastrointestinal disorders such as abdominal pain and indigestion, respiratory problems such as chronic cough and asthma, menstrual disturbances, and skin conditions. Cupping is most commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture, acupressure, bleeding treatments, and moxibustion. Proponents of cupping assert it can provide pain management and treat a variety of conditions, including respiratory issues, skin conditions, stress, and anxiety.
Scientific Evidence
Cupping has existed for hundreds of years, and many researchers have investigated its benefits, but it is a relatively new area of study in Western medicine. Most evidence supporting the use of cupping as a cure for illness is anecdotal.
Various studies have suggested that cupping treatments are effective in temporarily alleviating chronic pain. However, none were double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, and most proved inconclusive because of low enrollment, poor study design, inadequate blinding procedures, and a lack of appropriate scientific control groups. Several studies indicate that cupping treatments combined with other therapies like acupuncture may improve clinical outcomes, but scientific evidence is limited.
Cupping is an appealing natural treatment option for various illnesses because it is convenient and relatively safe. Cupping gained attention in the United States in the 2010s, when celebrities and sports figures made public appearances with evidence they had underdone cupping. Some evidence suggests that cupping may benefit multiple conditions because of its relaxation effect. However, more rigorous research studies are needed to properly assess the clinical value of cupping in Western medicine.
Choosing a Practitioner
Cupping therapy is a relatively unregulated field. Treatments should be performed by skilled practitioners to avoid injury.
Safety Issues
Cupping therapy, considered safe with minimal side effects, may cause marks or bruising. The appearance of blisters, blood spots, or burns indicates an abnormally harsh treatment.
Cupping should be performed only on areas of soft muscle tissue. It should not be performed on persons with liver, kidney, or heart failure, skin ulcers, high fever, convulsions, cramps, bleeding disorders, or cardiovascular disease or on pregnant women. It should not be performed on individuals with a pacemaker or those with hemophilia or anemia.
Bibliography
Chirali, Ilkay Z. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Cupping Therapy. 2d ed., New York: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2007.
"Cupping." National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cupping. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.
"Cupping Therapy: Definition, Types & Benefits." Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16554-cupping. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.
Dharmananda, Subhuti. "Cupping." Institute for Traditional Medicine and Preventive Health Care, Mar. 1999, www.itmonline.org/arts/cupping.htm, Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.
Furhad, Shabi. "Cupping Therapy - StatPearls." NCBI, 30 Oct. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538253. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.
Olsson, Regan. "What Is Cupping Therapy, and Does It Work?" Banner Health, 3 Nov. 2022, www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/does-cupping-therapy-really-work. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.
Pringle, Michael. "Some Thoughts on Fire Cupping." Journal of Chinese Medicine, vol. 83, 2007, pp. 46–51.
Shixi, Huang, and Cao Yu. "Cupping Therapy." Journal of Chinese Medicine, vol. 82, 2006, pp. 52–57.
Webb, Densie. "Ask EN. What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?" Environmental Nutrition, vol. 45, no. 12, Dec. 2022, p. 2. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=160013996&site=ehost-live. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.