Cupping Therapy 101: What it is, how it works, why it works–and Three Surprising Treatments You Can Do At Home
It’s no surprise we often hear that cupping is the favorite part of an acupuncture session. It gives a certain “weird, but oh so good” feeling and that’s without most people understanding the amazing benefits it provides. Fire cupping has been practiced as a part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years for a variety of ailments, from sore muscles to pulling pathogens like colds or flus out of the system and boosting immunity.
What is cupping therapy?
Traditionally, fire is inserted into a glass cup, quickly removed, and a vacuum seal is created as the cup is placed on the skin. While this form of fire cupping has its own set of benefits it’s not safe to do at home and should only be performed by a trained professional. Fortunately, you can’t beat the convenience of being able to cup yourself at home using silicone or plastic cups. You simply squeeze or pump air out of the cup and put it on your skin! We like these silicone cups.
How it Works: Cupping is a Natural Anti Inflammatory
Some of you may already know about the characteristic bruising or “hickies'' that appear from cupping, which is actually a good thing. Let’s get science-y for a minute! When the cup suctions the skin, the blood is forced up into the blood vessels and small red or purple spots are created called petechiae (puh-tee-kee-uh). When petechial blood is reabsorbed into the body, it causes an increase in anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective agents in the blood. In simple terms, cupping turns the blood into ITS OWN anti-inflammatory mechanism!
Cupping can reduce fevers, acute and chronic inflammation, boost immunity, relieve muscle tension, promote healthy circulation, detoxify the system–and more. Now that you know the how and why, let’s get to the good stuff like WHAT you can treat at home.
General Rules of Thumb and Warnings for Cupping
Start with very light suction and work your way towards stronger suction, only if it feels comfortable (or only mildly uncomfortable, remember… weird, but oh so good). Usually stronger cupping means a darker mark left behind so keep that in mind if you’re planning to wear that bathing suit or backless dress soon. Start with 5 minutes and work your way up in increments, going no longer than 15 minutes. If the cups leave a mark, do not cup that spot again until the mark has disappeared. You can cup any unmarked area around the mark instead. And if you do plan to go in the sun, make sure to cover or use sunscreen over the cupping marks.
It’s a good idea to warm the area with a heating pad for a few minutes prior to cupping. This will loosen tight muscles and promote circulation. Using a massage oil or coconut/olive oil can help lubricate the skin so the cups can be easily moved while retaining suction. See our “ How To” video at the end of the post for cupping demonstrations!
Here are three easy self-care cupping treatments you can do at home.
Cupping for Chest Congestion and Allergies
Congestion (the buildup of fluid or phlegm in your lungs) caused by a cold, bronchitis, or even asthma can be treated with cupping. The suction from cups breaks up and expels congestion. It brings oxygen-rich blood and lymph toward your lungs and your other respiratory muscles. Cups can be placed on your upper back, ribs, and top of the chest.
Directions:
Gently squeeze or pump air from the cups and place them on the skin. Place the cups in a vertical line between the shoulder blade and the spine until you reach the bottom of the ribs. If there are tender or tight spots around the sides of the ribs you can place cups there as well. You can also place the cups directly on the spine starting at the base of the neck. If there are tight or tense areas below the collarbone you can place cups there as well. Leave the cups for 5 minutes the first time and work your way towards longer increments, going no longer than 15 minutes.
Warnings:
Do not cup during an acute asthma attack. Cupping should be done to prevent an attack or post-attack to treat congestion. Do not cup over the breast tissue.
Cupping for chest congestion, cough, and asthma
Cupping For Digestive Health and Constipation
Cupping helps to engage the parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system, which increases blood flow to the digestive tract. It also aids in peristalsis (contractions that push food through your digestive tract) and increases the secretion of fluids that are necessary for healthy digestion. These fluids not only help you flush out water and toxins, they also play a huge role in helping nutrients absorb in the body. The ‘reverse massage’ effect of cupping, when done over the abdomen, is able to stimulate the digestive organs, much the same way they stimulate the muscles.
That means that cupping can help clear colon blockages, relieve constipation, break down fat, and help digestion work more smoothly overall. When you cup regularly over your abdomen, blockages and toxins start to be released and you may see an overall improvement in the look and feel of your stomach, a reduction in gas and bloating, and a decrease in water weight. When your digestive system is healthy and operating as it should, nutrients can be properly absorbed, which will lead to better bodily functions and better health overall.
Directions:
First, get comfy! Apply a small amount of lotion or massage oil to your abdomen. Gently squeeze or pump air from one cup and place it on the lower right side of the abdomen. Slowly move the cup upwards towards the ribs, across the top of the abdomen, and down the left side of your abdomen in a clockwise motion. Continue to move the cup in this circular fashion making the circle smaller each time, until you circle around the belly button. Do not cup over your belly button. You can remove the cup, start again, and do this 3 to 5 times. A few times a week should do the trick, but if you are really backed up you can do it daily until digestion improves.
Warnings:
If you are constipated and have poor or slow digestion, make sure you are drinking enough water and making proper dietary changes such as eating enough fruits and vegetables (fiber) and avoiding highly processed foods and sugars. Pregnant women should never cup over their abdomens.
Traditional Chinese medicine cupping for digestive health and constipation.
Cupping for Cellulite and Scars
In traditional Chinese medicine, cellulite and scars can be caused by a stagnation or blockage of blood or energy (Qi) flow. Cellulite is often the result of poor blood circulation, lymphatic issues (where it’s not draining as well as it should), fluid retention, and hormonal imbalances. Cupping moves your blood enabling your body to dispose of toxins, restore lymphatic circulation, and reduces the buildup of excess fluid (edema) This can all help reduce the appearance of cellulite and scarring. Because of these whole-body benefits, studies have shown positive effects of cupping on stretch marks and scars even in areas far from where the cups were applied. The suction of the cups also breaks up the fascia and changes the texture of your skin with repeated use which can reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cupping can also be helpful for C-section scars and reducing the appearance of the swollen sac that can appear below the scar.
Directions:
Scars: Apply a small amount of lotion or massage oil to the scar. Place the cup on one side of the scar and gently slide across the scar. Repeat this above and below the scar as well, following the line of the scar. You can also do a gentle zigzag motion across the scar. You may feel a slight burn or pulling sensation as tissues are pulled apart and that’s ok! Cup for 5 -10 minutes and repeat 2-3 times a week.
Cellulite: Since this is usually done on the butt or thighs, it may be best to lie on your side with your knee slightly bent to stretch the skin taut. You may place cups over the area of cellulite and leave them, or you can apply oil and slide the cups over the butt and thighs. Not gonna lie, this can be a “no pain, no gain” kind of deal as these can be sensitive areas for sliding the cups around. If you come across particularly tight or tense spots, let the cups sit there for a minute or so. Cup for about 10-15 minutes and repeat 2- 3 times a week.
Cupping for cellulite and scar tissue
Well, there you have it! Cupping therapy produces the best results when combined with acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine therapies. Book an appointment with one of our doctors to get the most out of your cupping therapy. As always, reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like a consultation.
