Understand what cupping therapy is and learn about 6 of its benefits

Cupping therapy is a treatment indicated mainly for muscle tension, but it can be used for other purposes and its application depends on the patient’s clinical diagnosis. To clarify doubts and better understand the technique, we talked to biomedical acupuncturist Camila Nichelle (CRBM-PR 0425). Check the explanations:

What is cupping therapy?

According to Camila, cupping therapy “is a therapeutic technique of traditional Chinese medicine, widely used as a complement to acupuncture, despite showing great results when applied individually.” She also explained who can perform the therapy: “professionals specializing in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine have greater knowledge for a correct application of the therapy; although it is also a free mini course in some institutions. Generally, professionals are from the health area, such as doctors, biomedical doctors, pharmacists and physiotherapists.”

How is cupping therapy performed?

Camila Nichelle (CN): Consists of acrylic, glass or silicone cups that are placed with negative pressure (vacuum) on a certain part of the body, usually on the back. There are three types of technique: dry – the suction cups are positioned and fixed to the patient’s skin; wet – the suction cups are positioned and fixed at the pre-bleeding and sliding site – it uses only a suction cup, moving it with little vacuum in an area covered by massage oil.

What is cupping therapy for?

The biomedical woman presented four applications of the technique and explained how it is performed in each situation.

• Muscle tension/pain: “they are positioned at the site of pain and, in some acupuncture points, part of the air is removed through a suction pump (acrylic) or fire (glass). To release, just open the valve for air to enter again.”
• Fatigue and poor circulation in the legs: “they are positioned on the legs, in places where there is more musculature (fixed suction cup) or slide around the region, with minimal vacuum and grape seed oil to facilitate (sliding suction cup).”
• Cellulite and stretch marks: “uses a sliding suction cup throughout the region, with minimal vacuum and grape seed oil, promoting tissue hyperemia.”
• Stress: “they are used in trigger and acupuncture points, and can be fixed or sliding.”

In addition to talking about what cupping therapy is for, Camila recommended some care after the technique. “After the session, the patient may experience itching, heat and discomfort at the site of the cups. These reactions naturally disappear within a few hours, depending on the outcome of the session. Darker marks can take up to 7 days to disappear, so weekly frequency is indicated. I suggest not supporting a purse or backpack strap in place and, in the case of women, avoiding the use of a very tight top or bra.”

Benefits of Cupping Therapy

Discover, now, the main benefits of cupping therapy. You will definitely be interested in trying out the technique.

• Stimulates blood circulation, improving muscle nutrition
• Releases toxins from the blood
• Relieves muscle and joint pain
• Strengthens blood vessels
• Reduces cellulite and stretch marks
• Relax the body and mind

As you can see, there are many benefits to cupping therapy. Keep reading the article to find out if there are any risks or contraindications.

Risks, care and contraindications of cupping therapy

The biomedical doctor explained that “the cupping therapy performed by a qualified professional does not present risks; it is a safe, painless, non-invasive and highly effective method; which can be applied from children to the elderly. However, if the therapist leaves the cups for a long time, water bubbles may appear in the area. Attention should also be paid to the glass suction cups, which are performed with fire, so that there is no burn on the patient’s skin.” As for contraindications, it recommends that “patients in an inflammatory process, with fever, varicose veins, fractures, extensive skin diseases, burns, seizures, severe health conditions, inelastic skin and abdominal region of pregnant women” do not use the technique.

Now you know that cupping therapy is a great ally in the treatment of certain problems. Enjoy and learn more about reiki, a natural healing therapy.