Cupping Therapy
Here's the lowdown on cupping:
What it is: Cupping is an old-school alternative therapy where cups are put on your skin to create suction. Think of those round marks you sometimes see on celebs' backs – that's cupping!
Where it comes from: It's been around for ages, popping up in ancient Egypt, China, and even Hippocrates talked about it.
Why people do it: The idea is that the suction gets your "qi" (life force) flowing, helps with blood circulation, boosts your immune system, and can even help with pain and inflammation.
Types of cupping: There are a few ways to do it these days:
- Dry cupping: Just suction.
- Wet/bleeding cupping:
- Suction plus a little controlled bleeding.
- Running cupping: Cups are moved around like a massage.
- Flash cupping: Quick suction and release.
They can also add things like acupuncture needles, magnets, or herbs.
What to expect: Your practitioner will ask about your symptoms, then place cups on your skin. You'll feel some suction and pressure. You might get some red marks or light bruising afterward, but they usually go away within about a week.
Where they put the cups: Usually on your back, chest, belly, butt, or legs.
What it can help with: People use it for all sorts of things, especially muscle aches and pains like lower back, neck, and shoulder pain. It's also used for headaches, shingles, acne, and even conditions like hypertension and asthma, though more research is needed here too.
Side effects: Not many, usually just those circular marks, some discoloration, and sometimes dizziness or nausea. Rarely, you could get scarring or bruising.
Who should avoid it: If you're on blood thinners, have a sunburn, wounds, thin skin, or certain other conditions, cupping isn't for you. Also, they won't put cups on veins, arteries, nerves, or inflamed skin.
Important note: Cupping should be a complement to your regular medical care, not a replacement. Always chat with your doctor before trying it, and make sure your practitioner is certified and the facility is clean!
