Cupping

Cupping is a manual therapy procedure in complementary medicine where special cupping glasses or suction cups are placed on the skin and a vacuum is created through heating or a pump mechanism. The resulting negative pressure gently lifts the skin and promotes blood circulation in the underlying tissue. The cupping glasses are usually removed after 10 to 15 minutes.

“Cupping facilitates the elimination of metabolic waste, releases chronic muscle tension, and promotes natural pain relief.”

The increased blood circulation caused by cupping leads to the loosening of hardened tissue and increased lymph transport. This allows metabolic end products to be removed and muscle tension to be released.

This leads to pain relief and gives the pain-afflicted nervous system the opportunity to relax and break the pain cycle. The body can then return to a relaxed state.

Important: Despite numerous positive experiences from patients and therapists, scientific evidence for the effectiveness of cupping is currently limited.

Cupping offers the following benefits:

Pain Relief: Cupping can effectively relieve muscle tension and pain, especially in the back and neck area.

Improved Circulation: The treatment promotes better blood circulation and supplies tissue with more oxygen and nutrients.

Immune System Support: Regular cupping can support the immune system by promoting lymph circulation, helping to prevent infections.

Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Cupping massages have a calming effect and promote general well-being.

Dry cupping is a very safe treatment method that may result in bruising, mild swelling, and pressure sensitivity after treatment. These effects disappear within hours to days without special treatment and are described as initial aggravation.

However, with bloody cupping, there is a small risk of infection and possible scarring, as the skin is intentionally scratched to support detoxification. Therefore, it is essential to have the treatment performed professionally.

There are also cases where cupping treatment is not recommended, including patients taking blood-thinning medications, those with severely inflamed skin, or those with certain skin conditions and diseases.

If you plan to perform cupping treatment on your own, it’s essential to first receive a professional demonstration. These instructions serve only as a basic guide.

What is needed?

• Cupping glasses
• Alcohol or disinfectant
• Cotton ball
• Lighter

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparation: Clean the person’s skin thoroughly with alcohol or disinfectant to prevent infections. Ensure the person is lying comfortably.
2. Selection of cupping area: Usually, back and shoulders are cupped, as tension and blockages often occur here.
3. Procedure: Dip a cotton ball in alcohol and carefully light it. Briefly hold the cotton ball inside the cupping glass to heat the air. Immediately place the glass on the skin to create a vacuum.
4. Duration: Leave the cupping glasses on the skin for 5-15 minutes. Watch for redness and ensure the person being treated is comfortable.
5. Removal: To remove the glasses, tilt them slightly to one side to allow air to enter, and gently remove from the skin.
6. Aftercare: Massage the treated area to further promote circulation.

For optimal results and minimal risks, cupping therapy should be performed by experienced therapists. However, traditional dry cupping can be safely done at home with proper preparation and caution. This method has a lower risk of side effects and infections compared to other cupping techniques.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that even with dry cupping, unwanted effects can occur if not done correctly. To avoid these, thoroughly educate yourself about the proper technique and consult a professional if you have doubts. When performed correctly, dry cupping can be a safe and effective method for self-application.

Cupping treatment is divided into three categories, which differ slightly in approach and technique:

Cupping glasses are placed directly on the skin and suctioned through vacuum. This can be created by heating the air in the glass or using a pump. The cups are placed on the affected areas for ten to fifteen minutes to initiate healing processes.

Before placing the glasses, the skin is slightly scratched to allow small amounts of blood to be released. This method serves for targeted removal of waste products and is often used for chronic pain and muscle stiffness.

Cupping massage combines the effects of cupping with massage and is particularly suitable for relaxation and promoting circulation. The skin is first rubbed with oil, allowing the cupping glasses to be moved across the skin while incorporating massage techniques.

The selection of cupping areas and points depends on individual complaints and treatment goals. Areas of intense muscle tension are precisely targeted to effectively release and relieve localized discomfort. Additionally, there are also other approaches with techniques aimed at reducing wrinkles or promoting deep relaxation.

Facial cupping, often referred to as cosmetic cupping, is a gentle method to improve blood circulation, promote collagen production, and reduce swelling and wrinkles in the face.
Typically, smaller cupping glasses or silicone cups specifically designed for the face are used. Unlike body cupping, facial cupping often works without strong suction to avoid bruising or skin irritation.

Back cupping is the most common application which helps to release muscle tension, promotes blood circulation and general relaxation.

Cupping glasses are typically placed along the back extensors, parallel to the spine, though targeted application on specific tension points is also effective. Even in cases of herniated discs, where intense muscle cramping occurs around the affected spinal area, temporary relief can be achieved through enhanced blood circulation.

Discuss your symptoms with your practitioner to achieve the best possible result.

Cupping in the neck area is a popular application for relieving tension, promoting blood circulation, and general relaxation. This technique can be particularly effective for complaints such as neck pain, tension headaches, or shoulder tension.

Cupping glasses are often placed along the trapezius muscle and neck muscles, parallel to the cervical spine, to specifically relax the muscles. Local application on specific tention points is also possible.

Even with posture problems or stress-related tension that often occurs in the neck area, cupping can provide at least temporary relief through improved blood circulation.

Discuss your individual symptoms with your therapist to tailor cupping specifically to your needs.

Cupping can have a positive effect not only on muscular tension but also on psychological well-being.
Especially during stressful phases, with nervousness or exhaustion, cupping can be beneficial as it often has a calming effect on the nervous system and can promote stress resistance.

Endometriosis is often associated with severe pain, chronic tension, and disturbed blood circulation in the pelvic area and lower back. Targeted cupping can release tension, promote energy flow, and reduce pain perception.

This can support patients particularly during their menstrual complaints and make the severe pain somewhat more bearable.

Cupping is also used as a complementary method to support fat reduction, as it promotes blood circulation and can stimulate metabolism, potentially contributing to the reduction of fat deposits.

The effectiveness is based on various mechanisms:

1. Metabolism Stimulation: Through the created negative pressure, cupping can stimulate metabolism, potentially contributing to fat burning. This metabolic activation can help the body burn fat more efficiently.
2. Blood Circulation Promotion: Cupping improves local blood circulation, which not only boosts metabolism but also favors lymph flow and the transport of metabolic products.
3. Improvement of Connective Tissue: Through improved blood circulation and increased lymph flow, cupping can help prevent fat cell congestion in weak connective tissue where cellulite commonly forms. This can lead to a visible improvement in skin texture.

Particularly in combination with healthy nutrition and regular exercise, cupping can help achieve desired results.

Here we address the most common questions about cupping.
If questions remain unanswered, you should consult your physician for individual advice.

Further information intended to give a better overview of the topic.