Cupping Therapy has been around for thousands of years. It has been used in ancient Egyptian, Greek, Arabic, Turkish and Chinese Medical practices. Cupping involves attachment of hollow cups to the skin via vacuum for the therapeutic benefits. There are many types of cupping, however, DRY & WET Cupping are the two main types.
Dry Cupping pulls the skin into the cup without scarification, while in Wet Cupping the skin is lacerated so that blood is drawn into the cup.
The dry cups can also be moved on the surface of the body, which is called as dynamic cupping. Cupping is also classified based upon methods of application, type of suction, strength of suction and materials inside the cups.
There are many researchers supporting the benefits of traditional cupping therapy, however, cupping by physiotherapists is different from alternative medicine cupping as it relies on its mechanical effects on the musculoskeletal tissue. When used with proper clinical reasoning cupping by physiotherapists (or myofascial decompression therapy) has the capacity to produce immediate and lasting therapeutic benefits.
Types of Cupping :
- Dry cupping
- Wet cupping
- Fire cupping
- Needle cupping
- Electric stimulation cupping
Benefits of cupping therapy :
- Cupping helps to increase blood circulation where cups are placed.
- The cups muscle tension improves blood flow, promote cell repair and may help to convert new blood vessels in the tissues where the cups are placed.
- Relax muscle spasm.
- Relieves Post fracture pain.
- Improves tendonitis.
- Reduced edema
Cupping therapy cannot be given:
- Dry skin
- Diabetes
- DVT
- Pregnancy
- Epilepsy
Summary
Cupping is an ancient therapeutic practice that involves attaching hollow cups to the skin via vacuum. There are different types of cupping, including dry cupping, wet cupping, fire cupping, needle cupping, and electric stimulation cupping.
Cupping has several benefits, such as increasing blood circulation, improving muscle tension, promoting cell repair, and relieving pain. However, cupping should not be given to individuals with dry skin, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, pregnancy, or epilepsy. Cura Advanced Physiotherapy offers cupping therapy for various conditions, including back pain, headaches, migraines, tennis elbow, and stiffness in the back and neck.
Dr.Manisha Vishwa PT
MPT in PEDIATRICS Neuroscience
Certified NDT and PNF practitioner
Certification in Stotts Pilates
Certified dry needling practitioner
Certification in osteopathic spinal manipulation