Cupping therapy is one of the oldest method of releasing the toxins from body tissue and organs. In North Africa, cupping therapy was first documented on Eber’s papyrus (1550 BCE), where a cup is the Egyptian glyph to reference a physician. In Asia, during the Jin dynasty, Ge Hong (281-341 CE) mentions the use of animal horns as a means of draining fluids from the body.
It is also known as vacuum cupping, hijama cupping, horn treatment etc. It is a practice in which the therapist puts special cups on the skin to create suction. This causes the tissue beneath the cup to be drawn up and swell causing increase in blood flow to affected area. Enhanced blood flow under the cups draws impurities and toxins away from the nearby tissues and organs towards the surface for elimination.

Indications

Cupping therapy is indicated for both healthy patients (anti ageing treatment, rejuvenation purpose) and those suffering from ailments. Localized ailments that benefit from cupping therapy include a headache, lower back pain, neck pain, and knee pain.

Benefits

• Cupping helps to reduce pain and inflammation;
• Improves blood flow;
• Used for relaxation, well being and deep tissue massage;
• It is safe, non invasive and inexpensive treatment;
• Rejuvenation of body organs;
• Facilitates healing process and strengthens immune system.

Effects

• Skin: improved metabolism in skin tissue, better functioning of sebaceous and sweat glands, improved healing and improved skin resistance;
• Muscles: Stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage;
• Joints: Increased blood flow and secretion of synovial fluid;
• Digestive system: Increased peristalsis and secretion of digestive fluids, better digestion and excretion;
• Blood: Improved blood circulation;
• Nervous System: Stimulates sensory nerves of skin.

Side Effects

Cupping is a low-risk therapy. The side effects will typically occur during your treatment or immediately after. Light-headedness or dizziness, sweating or nausea may be experienced.
After treatment, the skin around the rim of the cup may become irritated and marked in a circular pattern. There may be risk of Infection after undergoing cupping therapy and it can be avoided if practitioner follows the right methods for cleaning skin and controlling infection before and after the session.

Procedure / Use Of Cupping In Physiotherapy

A Physiotherapist utilizes a rubber pump to create a vacuum and this causes the skin to rise. The blood vessels will expand and is used to create a massage effect.
The body areas are selected according to the treated ailment. The cups are commonly placed on areas with abundant muscles. The back is the most common site of application, followed by the chest, abdomen, buttocks, and legs. Other areas, such as the face, may also be treated by cupping. According to research studies, it is recommended that cups should be on the skin for no more than 5-10 minutes.The residual marks left from cupping disappear in 1-10 days.

More info

Cupping Therapy