What is Cupping? What Are Its Benefits and How Is It Done? (2024)

Throughout history, complementary and traditional treatment methods have been used for various purposes. Cupping, also known as hijama, is a commonly used traditional therapy. It is a therapeutic technique that uses vacuum pressure created under a small vessel applied to the skin's surface. Cupping has various benefits, such as alleviating back, neck, and headache pain, as well as other medical issues. Cups made of various materials are placed on the problematic area for several minutes, creating a suction effect by specialists. There are two methods of cupping: dry and wet cupping, depending on the application procedures.

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What is Cupping?

Cupping is a complementary and traditional treatment method applied using cups of various shapes and sizes, such as top and bell-shaped cups. For this reason, cupping is also known as "cup therapy," "cup treatment," or "suction therapy." Although materials like clay, bamboo, or metal were used in ancient times, glass or hard plastic (PVC) is now preferred. Essentially, there are two types of cup therapy: wet and dry. However, depending on the application type, cupping can also be classified as moving, empty, needle, water, hot, and herbal cupping.

What Are the Benefits of Cupping?

Numerous scientific studies have shown that cupping has positive effects on localized and systemic diseases or symptoms. It is believed that these positive effects are achieved by influencing peripheral blood circulation close to the skin and enhancing immunity. Cupping is a complementary medical practice, so it should be applied in combination with modern medical methods under the recommendation and supervision of a specialist. The benefits of cupping can be summarized as follows:

Promoting blood flow in the skin,
Strengthening the biomechanical properties of the skin,
Increasing pain threshold,
Improving metabolism,
Reducing inflammation,
Supporting cellular immunity,
Modifying the mechanism of pain signals,
Stimulating the immune system with artificial and regional inflammation,
Increasing lymph flow in the lymphatic system,
Reducing uric acid and cholesterol,
Promoting body comfort and relaxation,
Reducing muscle tension,
Eliminating toxins from the body,
Facilitating movement,
Providing prevention against cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis,
Stimulating the peripheral nervous system,
Increasing red blood cell count by altering the molecular structure and function of hemoglobin.

What Diseases Does Cupping Help?

Cupping facilitates the drawing of blood to specific areas in the body and removes it through vacuum suction. Cupping is primarily a traditional therapy preferred for conditions that cause pain or to alleviate pain directly. In some patients, cupping therapy is also sought to assist with chronic health issues. Cupping may be beneficial in alleviating or relieving the symptoms of the following diseases:

What Are the Cupping Days? When is Cupping Performed?

The days for performing cupping therapy are determined according to the gravitational pull of the moon and are based on the lunar calendar, specifically on the 17th, 19th, 21st, and 23rd days of the month. Cupping therapy is considered to yield more effective results when performed during fasting periods. However, these are merely recommended days for cupping; it can be performed at any time with the approval of a healthcare professional based on an individual's health condition and needs.

How is Cupping Performed?

There are different methods for cupping applications. The steps of the procedure may vary depending on the chosen method. The specialist performing the therapy leaves the cups on the application area for a few minutes. In some methods, the cups may be moved temporarily to stretch the application area and massage that region. The cups are generally heated using herbs or by placing fire directly inside them. The heat source is removed, and the open part of the heated cup is placed on the skin. When the hot cup is placed on the skin, the air inside the cup cools, creating a vacuum that pulls the skin and muscles into the cup. Blood vessels respond to the change in pressure, and redness may occur on the skin. In modern cupping applications, rubber pumps are used to create a vacuum instead of traditional heating methods. The cupping methods can be categorized as follows:

Dry Cupping: Only the suction method is used.
Wet and Blood Cupping: Both suction and controlled medical bleeding may be used.
Massage and Moving Cupping: Cups are placed to massage the application area and moved around in that area.
Fast Cupping: Involves rapid and repeated suction and release of cups on a specific area of the body.

Which Areas Can Cupping Be Applied To?

Cupping applications can be performed by various healthcare providers, including doctors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, and acupuncture specialists. Experts most commonly apply cups to the back area. Applications for facial care or cosmetic purposes are performed on the facial region. Other application areas include the waist, chest, abdomen, hips, calves, and legs. After cupping therapy in these areas, any marks, redness, or color changes typically disappear within seven days.

What Should Be Considered Before and After Cupping?

Cupping therapy is generally regarded as a safe method. However, there are several points to consider. There is no comprehensive research on the effects of cupping therapy on pregnancy, so pregnant women are advised against receiving cupping treatment. Additionally, patients with anemia, hemophilia, cardiovascular conditions, eczema, psoriasis, a history of epilepsy, heart pacemakers, and stroke history are also advised to avoid cupping therapy. Although cupping therapy has low side effects, it is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, one should always consult a medical professional before trying cupping and similar alternative treatments.

To achieve effective results, it may be necessary to stop food intake 2-3 hours before cupping therapy or to prefer light meals. Additionally, a protein-poor diet is recommended for a couple of days before and after the procedure. It is also advisable not to shower for 24 hours after the procedure. The healthcare professional performing the cupping may request a comprehensive health history from the patients before the procedure. Cupping sessions typically last about 5-10 minutes. Any mild redness and marks that may develop after the procedure usually subside within a week.

Cupping performed by trained healthcare professionals is generally reliable. However, mild discomfort, muscle tension and pain, headaches, nausea, itching, scarring, bruising, burns, hematomas, and skin infections may occur in areas where the cups come into contact with the skin. Rarely, patients may experience a drop in blood pressure and heart rate during or after the procedure, which may lead to fainting. Fainting most commonly occurs after wet cupping. In such cases, it is essential to inform your doctor. If the cups and equipment used during the procedure become contaminated with blood or are not properly sterilized between patients, bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis B and C can be transmitted.

Cupping is a therapy that does not cause pain; however, there may be a slight feeling of tension in the skin during the procedure. A slight bruise or pain may be felt afterward, but the patient should not experience any significant discomfort if the cupping therapy is successful. Due to the suction force after the treatment, capillaries under the skin may rupture, leading to red, round marks that should disappear within one or two weeks.

Last Updated Date: 11 March 2024

Publication Date: 11 March 2024