What is cupping therapy and how does it work?
Cups, or ventuze, are therapeutic tools used in both traditional medicine and modern physiotherapy to improve circulation, relax muscles, and relieve pain. This technique, also known as cupping therapy, involves placing special suction cups on the skin to create a vacuum that pulls the skin and underlying tissues upward.
How Do Cupping Cups Work?
The principle behind cupping therapy is the creation of negative pressure inside the cups, which stimulates blood and lymph flow in the treated area. This effect offers multiple benefits for the body:
Improves blood circulation, leading to better oxygenation of tissues.
Promotes detoxification by accelerating the removal of toxins from the body.
Relaxes muscles and reduces tension, making them more flexible.
Reduces pain and inflammation, especially in cases of chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain.
Stimulates the nervous system, contributing to a general sense of relaxation and stress relief.
Cupping cups can be made from various materials, including glass, silicone, and plastic. There are different methods of application:
Dry cupping (classic method) – suction is applied without breaking the skin.
Wet cupping (also known as Hijama) – involves light skin incisions to enhance detoxification.
Cupping therapy has gained popularity not only in alternative medicine but also in modern physiotherapeutic treatments due to its numerous health benefits, all achieved without the use of invasive procedures or medications.
History and Origins of Cupping Therapy
Cupping Therapy Has a Long and Rich History That Dates Back Thousands of Years.
This healing method has been used across various civilizations—from ancient Egypt and China to Greece and the Middle East. Its application was based on the principles of improving circulation, detoxification, and balancing the body’s energy.
Cupping in Ancient Civilizations
Egypt – The oldest known record of cupping therapy is found in the Ebers Papyrus, a medical manuscript from around 1550 BCE. It describes the use of cupping in the treatment of various ailments.
China – Traditional Chinese Medicine has used cupping for over 3,000 years. Practitioners believed that it stimulates the flow of qi (life energy) throughout the body and helps eliminate blockages in the meridians. The earliest cups were made of bamboo or animal horns.
Greece – Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used cupping in the 5th century BCE to treat pain, respiratory conditions, and inflammation.
Modern Use of Cupping Therapy
Although cupping has long been a part of traditional medicine, it has recently regained popularity in physical therapy, sports rehabilitation, and wellness treatments. Its effectiveness has been confirmed in relieving muscle pain, improving circulation, and promoting overall body relaxation. Today, cupping is used worldwide, and many professional therapists and physiotherapists incorporate this ancient technique into modern treatments due to its numerous benefits.
Types of Cupping Cups
Cupping therapy includes different types of cups and application methods tailored to the specific needs of patients. Depending on the material, vacuum creation method, and technique, cups can be divided into several main types.
Types of Cupping Cups
Glass cups
Traditionally used in Chinese and Arabic medicine.
The vacuum is created by heating the inside of the cup with a flame before placing it on the skin.
Often used for deep stimulation of circulation and lymphatic drainage.Plastic cups with a pump
A modern version of cups where the vacuum is created using a manual pump.
Allow better control of pressure, making them suitable for more sensitive patients.
Frequently used in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.Silicone cups
Flexible and easy to use, requiring no fire or pump.
Allow adjustable pressure and are often used in aesthetic treatments (e.g., anti-cellulite massage).Bamboo cups
Less common in modern practice but still used in some traditional therapies.
Used heated, with their porous structure helping to absorb heat.
Methods of Applying Cupping Therapy
Dry Cupping Therapy (Classic Method)
Cups are placed on the skin and left for several minutes.
The goal is to improve circulation, relax muscles, and promote detoxification.Wet Cupping Therapy (Hijama)
After holding the cups for a few minutes, the skin is gently incised with a sterile instrument.
The cups are then reapplied to draw out a small amount of blood, stimulating toxin elimination.
This method is used in Hijama therapy within Islamic medicine.Moving Cupping Therapy (Cupping Massage)
Cups are placed with a mild vacuum and slowly moved across the skin.
It improves blood flow, reduces muscle stiffness, and is often used in anti-cellulite treatments.Flash Cupping Therapy
Cups are quickly placed and removed in short intervals.
This technique is used to stimulate lymphatic drainage and revitalize the skin.Each method has specific benefits, and the choice depends on the therapeutic goal and the patient’s health condition. At Fizio and Estetik Center In Locco, cupping therapy is applied following the latest professional standards, ensuring a safe and effective treatment for every client.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy has been used for centuries due to its numerous benefits for the body and mind. This technique stimulates the body’s natural regeneration processes, improves circulation, and helps alleviate various ailments. Below are the main advantages of cupping therapy:
Improves Circulation and Promotes Detoxification
The vacuum created by the cups causes blood vessels to dilate and increases blood flow to the treated area.
Enhanced circulation helps transport oxygen and nutrients to cells, accelerating the regeneration process.
It speeds up the elimination of toxins from the body through the lymphatic system.Relaxes Muscles and Reduces Pain
Cupping acts like a deep massage, helping to release muscle tension.
It is used to relieve chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders.
Effective for sports injuries and pain caused by poor posture.Helps Reduce Inflammation and Swelling
Improved lymph flow helps decrease swelling in muscles and joints.
Cupping therapy can assist with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.Strengthens the Immune System
Better circulation and toxin removal positively affect the body’s defense mechanisms.
It can help with colds and respiratory issues by promoting mucus expulsion and opening airways.Reduces Stress and Enhances Overall Well-being
Has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, reducing stress, anxiety, and fatigue.
Helps improve sleep quality and promotes a general sense of relaxation.Contributes to Skin Health
Stimulates collagen production, improving skin tone and elasticity.
Used in anti-cellulite treatments and may help reduce stretch marks and scars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is becoming increasingly popular due to its many benefits, but people trying it for the first time often have questions and concerns. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about this technique.
Is cupping therapy painful?
Cupping therapy is generally not painful, but it can cause a mild feeling of skin tightness due to the vacuum. It might feel unusual at first, but most people describe the treatment as pleasant and relaxing.
How long do cupping marks last?
Cupping marks can last anywhere from a few days up to two weeks, depending on your skin type and the intensity of the treatment. These marks are not bruises but are caused by increased blood flow to the treated area and will fade on their own.
Does cupping therapy have side effects?
Apart from temporary skin marks, cupping therapy rarely causes side effects. In rare cases, mild skin sensitivity or short-term fatigue can occur due to the accelerated detoxification process.
Who should avoid cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy is not recommended for people with:
Serious blood clotting disorders,
Open wounds or skin infections,
Heart conditions or high blood pressure,
Pregnant women (especially in the first trimester).
It is always best to consult a specialist before starting treatment.
How often can cupping therapy be done?
Depending on the patient’s needs, therapy can be done once a week or every few weeks. Professional therapists at Fizio i Estetik Center In Locco assess each patient individually and recommend the optimal number of sessions.
Is cupping only used for muscle pain?
Although cupping is best known for relieving muscle tension and pain, it is also used to improve circulation, boost the immune system, eliminate toxins, and for skin treatments such as reducing cellulite and improving skin tone.
How to prepare for a cupping treatment?
Before treatment, it is recommended to:
Stay well hydrated to enhance detoxification effects,
Avoid heavy meals and alcohol a few hours before treatment,
Wear comfortable clothing that does not constrict the treated area.
How to care for your skin after treatment?
Avoid hot showers or saunas for 24 hours post-treatment,
Keep well hydrated and use gentle skin creams,
Avoid direct sun exposure on treated areas to prevent irritation.
Cupping therapy is a safe and effective method that can offer many benefits when performed properly and under expert supervision.