Cupping on the skin: What is cupping and what is it for?

The cupping therapy or cupping manages to improve blood flow, regenerate tissues, undo internal adhesions and facilitate the circulation of vital energy in the area where it is applied. It has been part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Traditional suction cups are small glass bells whose interior space is heated just before being placed on the skin, so that when the air cools it produces a powerful suction cup effect. It is not strange that the application causes a bruise that some famous athletes proudly display on their social networks.

Currently there are plastic and silicone suction cups that cause the suction effect by pumping.

Suction cups can be left in a certain place for a short time or longer, or can glide slowly over the skin (before you have to apply oil), producing an effect similar to a massage. The areas where they are most frequently placed are the back, chest, abdomen, buttocks and legs.

Cupping: An Ancient Healing Technique Revised

Chinese medicine says that cupping undo blockages in the circulation of vital energy by the body A Chinese therapist, therefore, applies them taking into account the route of the meridians or channels through which this energy circulates and that are found under the skin, in a similar way as an acupuncturist does.

For its part, Western science observes that suction cups cause blood flow and separate internal connective tissues (fascias), which can favor recovery from certain ailments.

The importance of fascia in the body

Fascias are elastic connective tissue structures that surround and they connect all the muscles, bones, organs and nerves of the body without exception. They also participate in the transport of lymphatic fluid, which “cleanses” the body.

Due to injuries, bad habits or tension, the fascias can stick, adhere, to the structures with which they are in contact. The result is often tightness and pain, which can reduce mobility.

How do cupping help? effects and benefits

Cupping stimulates blood circulation and therefore increase metabolic activity. This chain of reactions leads to a better nutrition of the muscles, which allows you to increase performance. Applied after sport, cupping can contribute to faster regeneration. The effect of the massage relaxes the muscles and provides them with micronutrients. Cupping also improves the elimination of metabolic waste and can be Useful for treating cellulite and improving the appearance of the skin. They can also provide a effective relief of menstrual cramps and digestive problems. It is also often used for treat back pain caused by muscle tension.

So far, the medical effect of cupping has not been scientifically proven, but there are a variety of other ailments that the alternative medical procedure can help alleviate. Therapists like to use cupping for the following conditions:

MigraineKidney diseasesLumbagoColds or fluAllergiesHypertensionCarpal tunnel syndromeOsteoarthritis of the kneeHerniated disc

Possible Side Effects of Cupping

In general, there are no significant side effects with cupping, as long as they are applied correctly. However, bruising may occur in the treated areas due to the suction. The severity of the bruises depends on the nature of your tissue, the technique used and also how long the cups remain on the skin.

The suction pressure of silicone cupping is also not as strong as traditional cupping and bruising is much less likely.

Who are suction cups suitable for?

In a way, cupping is for everyone. However, in the case of certain acute or chronic diseases, it is absolutely necessary to consult the doctor before using them. Therefore, care must be taken with all acute or unclear diseases.

The same applies to skin diseases that react to stimuli. These include hives and psoriasis. If you suffer from the following ailments or diseases, you should consult a doctor before cupping:

Open wounds and inflammation Varicose veins Diabetic ulcers Tumors Sudeck’s disease Anticoagulant drug therapy

cupping during pregnancy

In principle, cupping can be applied during pregnancy and is definitely recommended for the resulting stress states. However, they should be limited to muscles and not be performed before the 17th week of pregnancy. The abdomen and lower back must be left out.

Furthermore, the procedure It should only be performed by therapists who have experience treating pregnant women. As with all other manual or pharmacological therapies during pregnancy, it is important to consult your doctor first.

For which regions of the body are suction cups suitable?

With a few exceptions, there is almost no part of the body that is not suitable for cupping. Due to the material used, the cups are very adaptable and can be placed both on the face and on bony areas such as the knees or shins.

suction cups They can be especially effective in areas of the body with poor blood circulation, such as the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands or the lower back. Here very good results can be achieved with conditions of tension and acute pain.

Under no circumstances should cups be used on body areas such as the eyelids, lips, nipples, in the oral cavity, on the genitals and in the anal area.

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