Cupping therapy is very popular treatment today, but it is not a new one. The practice of ancient Chinese cupping therapy dates back to over 5,000 years ago and was used in many Eastern European countries to promote natural healing as well. Cupping stimulates blood circulation in any area of concern, unblocking energy channels and breaking down fat cells also.  Medical professionals use it for many purposes, such as to relieve pain and inflammation, and estheticians mostly use to provide deep-tissue massages. In addition, it is used for lymphatic drainage after slimming treatments. In recent years cupping, has been growing in popularity, especially among celebrities.

Cupping is like a reverse massage – instead of pushing into the tissue, it pulls. Treatment involves placing cups onto the skin to create a vacuum which helps to increase blood and Qi flow, loosen fascia, stimulate healing and remove toxins.

Cups are usually placed on the back, neck and shoulders, or the source of pain. Cupping may cause temporary bruising and soreness, depending upon the degree of suction created by the vacuum and the level of stagnation. The cups are removed by lifting one edge, which allows air in and breaks the seal and vacuum.

Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available. It is thought to affect tissues up to four inches deep from the external skin. Toxins can be released, blockages can be cleared, and veins and arteries can be refreshed. Even hands, wrists, legs, and ankles can be cupped, thus applying the healing to specific organs that correlate with these points.

This treatment is also valuable for the lungs and can clear congestion from a common cold or help to control a person’s asthma. In fact, respiratory conditions are one of the most common ailments that cupping is used to relieve.

The detoxifying effect on skin and circulatory system is also significant, with a visible improvement in skin color. Cupping removes toxins and improves blood flow through the veins and arteries. Especially useful for athletes is cupping’s potential to relieve muscle spasms.

Cupping also affects the digestive system. A few benefits include improved metabolism, relief from constipation, a healthy appetite and stronger digestion.

Advocates for cupping therapy claim that the practice reduces stress, speeds up recovery from strenuous exercise, and reduces inflammation. The therapy involves using cups made from silicone, glass, plastic, or bamboo to draw out toxins from beneath the skin’s surface. Individuals undergoing the treatment lie face down on a massage table while the practitioner places the cups on their back and draws the air out of the cup, pulling the skin inside.

Different Methods

There are two types of cupping therapy available: “fixed” and “moving”. In fixed cupping, the practitioner places the cups along the length of your back, typically four on each side of the body. The practitioner leaves the cups in place for a few minutes until the skin inside the cup begins to show signs of blood nearing the surface.

In moving cupping therapy, the practitioner lubricates the skin with massage oil before placing the cup on the back. They then move the instrument around the immediate area to remove the toxins from your blood and skin.