History and Benefits of Cupping Therapy

The Rio Olympics stirred up an interest in an ancient practice of eastern medicine known here in the U.S. as cupping therapy. Most notably, Michael Phelps was seen during the swimming events with large red, circular marks on his skin. The red marks on the skin are the results of suction cups used to perform these techniques. Proponents of this technique report that this technique can help with pain, muscle strains, plantar fasciitis, and preparing athletes for competition.

The practice of cupping therapy dates back to ancient times and is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Cupping therapy should only be performed by a trained professional such as an Acupuncturist.

Cupping therapy is typically performed using a burning cotton bud is placed inside a glass cup, which creates a vacuum inside the cup as the hot air cools. The cups can also be attached to a vacuum pump that creates suction. These cups can be made of glass, silicone, or bamboo. Red, swollen welts appear where the cups were placed and can leave the red marks on the patient’s skin. These cupping marks can last 7 -10 days, but with them come many positive effects as well. The negative pressure passively stretches underlying soft tissue, increases blood flow, stimulates the lymphatic system, increases fluid movement mobilizing stagnant fluids and delivers nutrient-rich blood supply to injured area.  The swelling that comes with injury and inflammation can hold toxins and fluids, but by stimulating the lymphatic system with cupping therapy, pathways can be created for toxins to be drawn out of the body.  Eliminating the unhealthy tissue waste and debris helps to separate fused tissue layers by loosening adhesions and allowing muscle to function more easily and efficiently.

At present, it is generally popular to use a suction gun to remove the air in the pot without using fire to pull out the pot, which is safer and better operated