Benefits and Side Effects of Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is a form of local suction which is created by using heated cups. This practice is used to increase the blood flow all over the body. This therapy is mainly used in Asia. It is traditional Chinese medicine. Athletes also use this therapy when they suffer from muscle strain. For example, the famous swimmer Michael Phelps underwent this therapy during the summer Olympics. This therapy can be classified into  two types, one is wet cupping, and the second is hot.

Wet cupping therapy is used to remove harmful substances. Some people also get needle therapy. It is generally done according to the patient’s condition and requirements. It is an ancient form of treatment. It is an ancient therapy, but it is popular now also. The flammable substance and electric vacuum do it.

Cupping is recommended for the following conditions:

• Back pain
• Headache or migraine
• Knee pain 
• Muscle pain and soreness

Supping therapy is said to be a process that improves the flow of vital energy and blood flow. In Chinese, it is known as “QI” or “CHI.” It also helps with balancing illness or injury. This therapy is rarely used with acupuncture which is used to promote the flow of energy.

How does cupping therapy work?

To create the suction in the cups. It acted as a vacuum by placing the alcohol and paper or any flammable object. The next step is to put the flamed cups on the body. In this therapy, there are seven three cups that are placed on your body. But now, many practitioners use the electric vacuum or use the self suctioning cups. When you place the cups on the body, they will automatically be removed from your body in 5-10 minutes.

The doctor may remove it quickly by removing the cups repeatedly. Some of the doctors also apply the massage oil or cream and then put it on the cups. Then they can slide it to the whole body and give the massage. Wet cupping is also the same as cupping therapy. In this, the skin is punctured to get treatment. This procedure is also used to improve blood flow. It is mainly used for the clearance of toxins from the body.

Benefits

Now the research of cupping therapy is not so popular. There is scarce research on this therapy. The research is of inferior quality. The study said that cupping therapy is used mainly by athletes and that further studies are needed. The study also noted that cupping therapy is used to improve the perceptions of pain and disability. The athletes use cupping therapy because it makes the body of athletes flexible. Some of the studies state that cupping therapy is not used for the flexibility of the body.

Cupping therapy is used to treat blood disorders such as hemophilia. It is also known to treat skin problems such as eczema and acne. It is used to control high blood pressure and migration. The study says that it is more effective when it is done with the flammable substance as the ancient people did.

Side effects

Cupping also has some side effects. Cupping may cause pain, swelling, burns, dizziness, and skin pigmentation. Cupping therapy leaves swelling and red marks or circular bruises on the skin. These marks take some time to remove from the body, or some time takes two-three weeks. 

Cupping also has some precautions. This therapy is not used on skin with inflammation, veins, lymph, and any other fractures. People who are pregnant and have certain health diseases. People who have cancer, organ, blood disorder, and some types of heart disease should not have this therapy. People taking the medication also should not try cupping therapy in any case.

Cupping therapy is safe, but at some points, it is not secure. There are many side effects when you do cupping therapy. There is mild discomfort, and the skin surely burns, which gives you patches on the skin. The patches take a lot of time to remove. If the cups are appropriately sterilized correctly, you can also get many diseases such as hepatitis B and C.

Conclusion

When you go for cupping therapy, then you should get consulted with the doctor first. If you are taking it with the doctor, ask for some information about cupping therapy. We hope the above paragraph helps you to know the meaning, benefits. And side effects of the therapy. The athletes mainly use this therapy to remove the pain from their bodies and feel fresh and healthy.

We hope that this helpful guide must give you a fair idea about this therapy and its benefits. For more information about profuse remedies and their benefits, please stay connected with us.