Cupping Therapy for Pain Relief: How It Works and What to Expect
If you’ve researched alternative/holistic medicine or looked at the rejuvenation services we offer at Pilates in the Grove, you’ve probably seen references to cupping therapy. But even though many people have heard of cupping, few know what it is, how it works, and what it can help with. Additionally, there are many misconceptions about cupping therapy.
So, what’s the truth? Is cupping therapy safe? How does it work? Can it help relieve pain or address other physical issues?
We’re here to answer all of those questions and give you the information you need to decide whether to try cupping. Remember, you understand your body the best, so you’re the best authority on whether cupping therapy is a good choice for you. Fortunately, cupping is a non-invasive procedure — you can try a short session to decide whether it’s something you want to continue.
How Cupping Therapy Works
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine. It’s been practiced for millennia in many cultures, including ancient Egypt and China. Although cupping has roots in the Middle East and Asia, it’s recently become popular in Western cultures as well.
The basics of cupping therapy are fairly simple. The idea is to use suction to draw blood toward (or away from) a certain area of the body. The exact mechanics of cupping vary depending on the provider and treatment goals.
While ancient civilizations used cups made of glass, ceramic, or even bamboo, most modern cupping systems utilize plastic, silicone, or glass cups.
Traditionally, a small flame is placed briefly inside the cup to remove oxygen. After the flame is extinguished, a vacuum is created as the cup cools, drawing the skin upward into the cup.
Although some practitioners still use flame-based suction, there are alternatives. Many glass and silicone cupping systems include a valve at the top. The therapist can connect a manual pump to the value and draw the air out that way, creating a vacuum that draws the skin up into the cup.
Once the cups are sealed onto the skin, they’re typically left in place for several minutes. The suction of the cups draws blood into the area, often bursting the tiny capillaries under the skin. Once the cups are removed, the body naturally redirects blood flow to the cupped areas to stimulate healing on the cellular level. Cupping is often combined with other types of manual therapy, such as stretching and massage.
Cupping often creates a visible circle of reddened skin (where the capillaries have burst) that looks similar to a bruise. These circles generally disappear after a few days or weeks.
The benefits of increased blood flow in a targeted location
Increasing blood flow to certain parts of your body can offer several advantages:
Faster recovery and healing
Reduced muscle soreness and tension
Increased range of motion
Reduced inflammation
Less chronic pain
Cupping may also help lower cholesterol, treat migraines, and support a stronger immune system.
The physical results of cupping therapy can also provide mental health benefits. You may experience less anxiety, better sleep, and reduced stress, all of which can improve your mental state.
Common Misconceptions About Cupping
Although cupping therapy is becoming more popular in this part of the world, misconceptions about it still exist:
Cupping is painful: Many people assume that cupping is painful, especially when they observe the red marks that the cups leave behind. However, most people don’t experience pain during cupping, although some describe the feeling of suction as “unusual” and/or “mildly pinching.” Generally, the level of suction can be adjusted to avoid discomfort.
Cupping is a new trend: Although cupping has become more popular in Western countries in the past few decades, it’s hardly a new technique. Many Eastern civilizations have practiced cupping for thousands of years.
Cupping marks are bruises: The red circles left by the cups look like bruises, but they aren’t. A true bruise indicates damage to muscle fibers whereas cupping marks are just caused by the bursting of tiny blood vessels.
Cupping is only for professional athletes: Although many professional athletes have incorporated cupping into their recovery routines, anyone can benefit from this practice. Cupping can help with sore muscles, chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and stress relief.
Cupping is dangerous: While no medical procedure is 100% safe, most experts agree that cupping is a low-risk procedure. As long as you choose an experienced practitioner and don’t have underlying blood conditions, such as a clotting disorder, anemia, or heart disease, cupping therapy carries very little risk.
In general, cupping is a safe type of therapy with a long history of benefits and very few risks for most people.
What to Expect During a Cupping Session
Ideally, your practitioner will customize your cupping session to address your unique needs and treatment goals. However, the basics of cupping therapy are fairly universal, so here’s what you can expect:
You’ll remove clothing from the areas where the cups will be applied.
Your provider will place the cups and initiate suction to draw your skin into the cup. You may feel a slight “pinching” sensation or skin tightness, but it shouldn’t be painful. Although sessions may just involve one cup, most providers use several at a time.
In most cases, the cups will remain in one place. However, some practitioners utilize “running” cupping. In this case, the provider applies lotion or oil to your skin before placing the cup so they can gently move and reposition it in various areas without breaking the suction.
Cups are generally left in place for 5-15 minutes. Some providers use this time to massage the surrounding area, stretch your muscles, or manipulate your joints.
Once the cups are removed, you may feel gentle heat or “release” sensations as the blood moves toward the area.
You’ll likely see red circles where the cups were applied. You may feel mildly sore, similar to the effects of a sports massage.
You should feel more relaxed and experience less tension in the areas treated by cupping therapy. You might also feel tired. Just like after a massage, it’s important to hydrate well and treat your body kindly.
Book Your Cupping Appointment at our Miami Studios!
Cupping therapy can help with a wide range of conditions, from sore muscles and chronic pain to migraines and high cholesterol. This technique has been used effectively for thousands of years, and many people feel that it enhances their recovery, mental health, and overall wellness.
If you’re ready to see what cupping can do for you, make an appointment at either of our Miami studios, in Coconut Grove or South Miami. Both offer a range of rejuvenation services, including cupping performed by an experienced therapist. You can make an appointment for 30 or 50 minutes, depending on your goals. Book your session online or contact our team at 305-446-6899 to get started.