Many of your cupping questions answered
How does cupping work?
Cupping uses gentle, controlled suction to open up muscle tissue and greatly increase circulation of blood, fluids and energy. It's like a vacuum cleaner for the body, sucking abandoned cellular debris and forgotten emotional baggage that have squirrelled themselves away between your bones, muscles and fascia. Imagine you've let the dust accumulate in your home for a few years, and then go along with the vacuum cleaner!
What does it do?
It improves blood and fluid circulation, mobilizes muscle and sinew flexibility, irons out crumpled and contracted fascia, gives breathing room to adhesions, helps to vanish scars, dredges the lymphatic system, improves skin tone, breaks up cellulite, promotes relaxation and makes you wonder why you haven't done it before.
What is the difference between massage cupping, dry cupping and wet cupping?
Massage cupping involves a very light suction, gliding the cup over the skin for the most relaxing massage you've ever had. It is more effective than a hand massage, deeper than hot stone massage, but without the pressure of either.
In dry cupping a stronger suction is used and the cups are left in the same place for between 5 and 15 minutes. If there is stagnation and congestion present, this type of cupping is likely to leave the tell-tale purple circles on the skin, as displayed by Gwyneth Paltrow.
Wet cupping combines dry cupping with blood letting. After suction from the dry cup has brought the blood to the surface, the cup is released and tiny scratches made in the skin. The cup is then replaced over the same area to draw blood and impurities through the incisions into the cups. The process is repeated until the blood stops flowing.
What are those big purple circles all about?
They are NOT bruises. The marks left by cupping are due to internal stagnation and congestion brought to the surface. Not everybody gets them. They are more likely to appear on people with a significant amount of congestion, poor blood flow and lymph drainage. Those who are relatively healthy will not be left with the circles, or they will be very light. Those with severe muscle tightness, headaches, painful periods and various kinds of musculo-skeletal pain will often, and with speed, show with purple-black marks. These marks are therapeutic as they bring the stagnation out of the tissues and to the surface.
Dry cupping, where the cups are left to sit for 5 to 15 minutes, tend to result in more of a polka-dot display, while massage cupping rarely leaves marks.
Some famous celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham have been seen sporting their spots without reservation. Olympic athletes have also been in the news due to their spotty appearance.
Does it hurt?
It may look painful to see how the skin and muscle is compressed into the cup, but if you're on the receiving end of it you'll know just how pleasant it actually feels. Occasionally there can be moments of discomfort, particularly if the muscles are very tight. As with massage, some like a light touch and others prefer the masseuse to dig in. The strength of the suction can be adjusted to your personal comfort level.
Where was cupping invented?
Cupping is part of the tradition medicine of many countries around the world. Although its recent popularity makes you think it's a new therapy, it has in fact been practised for thousands of years.
Is there anything I should, or shouldn't do, after a cupping treatment?
As with any kind of deep tissue work, be sure to drink plenty of water after your session to flush the flotsam and jetsam that have been dislodged from your tissues. It is best not to do any kind of strenuous activity immediately after your session, nor should you drink alcohol or go on an ice cream binge. Ideally, give yourself an afternoon or evening to allow yourself to soak in the gentle feelings of glide and ease that are the result of your muscles and blood being on good speaking terms.
For wet cupping, treatment is best on an empty stomach and drink honey and water following your session. Your therapist will advise you of specific requirements.
Is there any proof that cupping works?
The proof is in the pudding! Despite cupping being used for thousands of years, there is little research at present. However, this is now changing and early results are promising and back up "scientifically" what many of us already know.
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/10/70
http://www.naturalnews.com/026876_cupping_therapy.html