From Pain Relief to Relaxation: Is Cupping Therapy Right for You?
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of medicine. In the last decade, cupping therapy has become very popular due to its range of health benefits. Cupping therapy uses cups to create suction on the skin. This suction increases blood circulation, reduces muscle tension, improves range of motion, relieves stress and anxiety, and promotes cell repair.
Cupping sessions can be very relaxing. Cupping aids your body to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which induces a deeper state of relaxation. This helps calm the mind while reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, cupping increases circulation, which means more oxygen reaches the body’s tissues, helping eliminate toxins and improve immunity.
Silicone cups are being slid and then placed on a target area for a few minutes.
Types of Cups and Cupping Techniques
There are various types of cups and cupping methods; Silicone Cupping, Glass or Fire Cupping, Static Cupping, Dynamic Cupping, and Flash Cupping.
Silicone Cupping: cups made of medical-grade silicone and are squeezed before being place onto the skin to create suction. Because the cups are flexible, they allow the practitioner to easily adjust the intensity of suction. These cups are best used for dynamic cupping because they are easiest to move.
Glass or Fire Cupping: fire cupping is the traditional form of cupping. It involves soaking a cotton ball in alcohol, lighting the ball on fire, placing the flame inside the cup to create a vacuum. Once the flame is removed from the cup, the cup is placed on the skin. This type of cupping is usually more intense than silicone cupping. It is also the best method for static cupping and flash cupping.
Static Cupping: the cups are placed on a specific area and left to sit for a few minutes. This targets specific muscles for pain relief and relaxation.
Dynamic Cupping: oil is applied to the skin and the cups are moved around the skin. This is useful when treating large areas. This is a method that can be used if cupping marks are unwanted.
Flash Cupping: the glass cup is applied to the skin briefly before being removed. This technique is done over one area multiple times. This technique is useful for breaking up phlegm from allergies or after a cold.
Does Cupping Therapy Hurt?
Even though cupping therapy has many benefits, it also comes with its own set of considerations. Common questions are ‘how much will it hurt?’ and ‘will it leave marks?’.
The sensation of receiving cupping therapy is different for everyone. Some may not feel much at all, and some may be very sensitive to the cups. Those who are sensitive to static cupping, may be less sensitive to dynamic cupping. Overall though, cupping therapy should not be painful. There might, at times, be some discomfort, especially in an area that is injured or overused. During your first session only silicone cups will be used, because they are the most comfortable and the easiest to adjust the suction.
More suction does not necessarily lead to more cupping marks. Cupping often leaves circular marks on the skin that usually last for a few days, or up to a month in some cases. These marks might look like bruises. However, they are not bruises, and they should not hurt. Cupping increases blood flow and brings it up to the surface of the skin. The marks are created by the stagnant blood in the cupped area which is being replaced by fresh oxygenated blood. The deeper the color of the marks, the more stagnation was present in the tissues. The marks themselves can also provide a clearer picture to the practitioner about what is going on inside the body. Some marks might appear puffy, which could indicate there is dampness in the body. Some marks might be lighter, which could mean there is a type of deficiency. Some marks might include bright red dots called petechiae. This could mean that there is excess heat in the blood. All of these things are indicators for what’s going on inside the body. Circulation is improved the more often you receive cupping, which reduces cupping marks.
How Often Should I Receive Cupping Therapy?
There is no one size fits all rule about how often to receive cupping or any other treatment modality. It all comes down to the individual. The practitioner will create a recommended treatment plan at your first session. Think of cupping or any holistic treatment like getting in shape. The more you do it in the beginning, the more in shape you become. Once you’re in shape, you can take some time off, and it won’t affect you much.
An example of a cupping treatment plan for an acute condition may be once a week for 4 weeks and then every two weeks, and then monthly for maintenance. An example of a cupping treatment plan for a chronic condition might be every other week for 8 weeks and then monthly maintenance sessions.
Silicone cups sitting on the targeted area.
Am I a Good Candidate for Cupping Therapy?
Cupping is generally safe, but there are a few reasons to not receive cupping therapy.
Sunburn or inflamed skin
Open Skin - acne, cuts
Pregnancy
Medications - blood thinners
Hemophilia
Varicose Veins in target area
Metastatic Cancers
If unsure, always reach out to your practitioner to ask if cupping is right for you.
Disclaimer
For those considering cupping therapy, it’s important to consult with a trained professional to ensure that cupping is being performed safely and effectively. While cupping is generally safe when conducted by a skilled professional, it’s crucial to discuss specific health needs and conditions to tailor your treatment appropriately. Whether you’re dealing with pain, wanting to improve your range of motion, or needing a way to manage stress and anxiety, cupping might be the holistic method you’re searching for.
How to Book an Appointment with Honey Bee Acupuncture
Still unsure if cupping is the right modality for you? Reach out to Caitlyn via email or phone.
If you’re ready to book a cupping session, click this link to book an appointment. At Honey Bee Acupuncture, we offer two cupping session; 30 minutes and 60 minutes.
A 30 minute session is best for 1-2 areas of discomfort. Such as neck and shoulders.
A 60 minute session is best for 1-3 areas of discomfort, or larger areas. Such as back and hips.
Additionally, all acupuncture sessions include cupping if appropriate.
