Summer is the perfect season to focus on yourself and your health and wellness, whether it’s because school’s out and you have more free time, or you’re finally taking that much-needed vacation from work. Finally tend to that nagging backache or explore new self-care routines like cupping therapy to rejuvenate your body and mind.
Cupping therapy, a practice with roots in ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures, has been garnering attention in recent years for its potential health benefits. This therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which is believed to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or simply looking for a way to enhance your overall wellness, cupping therapy may offer the relief you need.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy involves two main types: dry cupping and wet cupping. In dry cupping, which is the more common method, suction is created on the skin using heat or mechanical devices. The cups are left in place for 8-10 minutes, or they can be moved around the area (known as massage cupping).
How Does It Work?
The suction created by cupping draws blood to the surface of the skin, and this process is thought to promote healing by increasing blood flow, reducing muscle tension and pain, and stimulating the immune system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cupping is thought to stimulate the flow of “Qi” (the vital energy that circulates in our bodies), where imbalances or blockages of Qi are thought to cause imbalances and ailments. Therefore, restoring flow of this vital energy can help.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
- Pain Relief: One of the most common uses of cupping is to alleviate pain, especially in the back, neck, and shoulders.
- Improved Blood Flow: The increased circulation resulting from cupping helps nourish tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
- Relaxation and Well-being: Many people find cupping to be deeply relaxing. The therapy can help reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to overall mental well-being.
- Enhanced Immune Function: Cupping may boost the immune system by stimulating lymphatic flow and increasing the production of white blood cells.
The Science Behind Cupping
While cupping has been practiced for thousands of years, modern research is still exploring its mechanisms. The suction created by the cups draws blood to the surface, which is believed to improve circulation and help the body’s natural healing processes. This increased blood flow can relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and promote cell repair. Additionally, some research suggests that cupping can positively affect the immune system by increasing lymphatic flow and boosting the production of white blood cells.
Although the exact mode of action of cupping to reduce pain is not well understood, three main hypotheses and theories might explain the mechanisms of pain reduction. These include the “Pain-Gate Theory” (PGT), “Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls” (DNICs), and “Reflex Zone Theory” (RZT). While more studies are needed to fully understand all its mechanisms, early evidence points to cupping being a beneficial practice for reducing chronic pain and enhancing overall quality of life.
Cupping Therapy at Our Clinic
At Soma and Soul Wellness, we offer cupping therapy as part of our comprehensive approach to health and wellness. For most patients, cupping is safe and can complement an existing treatment protocol.
Speak with your ND about cupping therapy and if it is right for you.
What to Expect
A typical cupping session lasts about 30-45 minutes. The cups are left on the skin for around 8-10 minutes and will be moved around slightly throughout the session. You may notice circular marks on your skin after the treatment; these typically fade within a few days. For chronic conditions, a series of sessions may be recommended.
Cupping therapy offers a natural, non-invasive way to address a variety of health concerns. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, stress, or simply seeking to enhance your well-being, cupping therapy could be a valuable addition to your health regimen. Contact us today to learn more about cupping therapy and schedule your session.
References
Shmerling, R.H. (2020 June 22). What exactly is cupping? Harvard Health Blog.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-exactly-is-cupping-2016093010402
Moura, C. C., Chaves, É. C. L., Cardoso, A. C. L. R., Nogueira, D. A., Corrêa, H. P., & Chianca, T. C. M. (2018). Cupping therapy and chronic back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. Revista latino-americana de enfermagem, 26, e3094. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.2888.3094
