Cupping therapy, a form of alternative medicine that dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures, involves placing cups on the skin to create negative pressure or suction. The suction facilitates healing with blood flow, and while it’s considered pseudoscience with questionable efficacy by the mainstream medical community, many people claim to benefit from the practice.

I have found very profound benefits over my years of experience using a variation of cupping called Myofascial Decompression developed by Chistopher DaPrato, DPT, SCS, CSCS, MFDc. I had the great fortune of being able to learn this technique from Chris. It is different from standard cupping in that it uses active movements performed by the patient using the cupped muscle group. This technique is VERY much more effective than stationary cupping. Then I developed an even more effective technique with patients achieving an even greater positive response as part of my Silan System.

There have been very few studies conducted on the subject so that may be why it is still perceived as pseudoscience and I summarize one below. I have seen tremendous results but like every technique that exists, it only works for some people and never ALL. There is no single technique that can fix all bodies! That’s why it’s important to have an arsenal full of effective techniques and have the creativity to tailor treatment specific for each unique body and presentation! That’s what I love about what I do-it keeps me having fun, and learning every day!!

Here are some of the advantages often attributed to the cupping method:

1. Pain Relief

One of the most touted benefits of cupping therapy is its potential to reduce pain, a claim supported by both historical anecdotes and some modern practitioners. It's believed that the suction from the cups can penetrate deep into the tissues, stimulating the body to release endorphins and other pain-relieving chemicals. People have sought cupping therapy for relief from headaches, migraines, dental pain, muscle pain, and rheumatic diseases.

2. Promotes Tissue Change

The process of cupping can be painful for many individuals. But the benefit to your tissues can be powerful! I always re-test after every intervention to ensure it’s effectiveness. The overall relaxation response of the tissues can help reduce stress and tension, which is a significant contributor to a variety of health issues.

3. Enhances Circulation

By pulling blood to the area where the cups are placed, cupping therapy is believed to enhance circulation. Improved blood flow can facilitate healing and reduce muscle tension, leading to healthier skin and muscles, faster recovery from muscle fatigue, and reduced inflammation.

4. Detoxification

Advocates for cupping therapy suggest that it can help detoxify the body. The theory is that by drawing blood and fluids to the surface, the method aids in removing harmful substances and toxins from the tissues. It’s recommended to drink plenty of water post-session to help flush away these substances.

5. Skin Health Improvement

Cupping is often said to improve skin health by increasing blood flow and possibly improving the efficacy of the body's natural methods for skin rejuvenation. It has been used to treat acne, eczema, and cellulite, with the increased circulation purportedly aiding in nutrient delivery and toxin removal.

6. Relief from Respiratory Conditions

Historically, cupping has been used to help with respiratory conditions such as the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis. The theory is that cupping helps improve immune function by moving blood and lymphatic fluid, thereby aiding in the removal of pathogens. I have had asthma patients noticeably breathing better after many kinds of myofascial release including cupping with movement.

7. Stimulation of Digestive System

Cupping therapy applied to certain areas of the body can stimulate the digestive organs, potentially improving digestion. It may help alleviate symptoms of common digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and bloating.

In the research: ACUTE OUTCOMES OF MYOFASCIAL DECOMPRESSION (MFD, or CUPPING THERAPY) compared TO SELF-MYOFASCIAL RELEASE ON HAMSTRING PATHOLOGY AFTER A SINGLE TREATMENT

In this study, researchers compared two forms of hamstring treatment including cupping therapy. The results found that “A significant difference was found in favor of the MFD group”.

Conclusion

While cupping therapy offers several potential advantages and has a long history of use in various cultures, it's important to approach it with a critical eye and consult healthcare professionals before trying it, especially if you have skin conditions, blood disorders, or are pregnant. Scientific research on cupping therapy is limited, and its effectiveness and mechanisms are still under investigation.

People around the world find relief and benefit from incorporating cupping into their wellness routines, especially when used alongside conventional medical treatments. Plus, it has the added bonus of self treatment: you can get yourself a set of cups and continue the therapy at home once you learn for it’s done!

Cupping Therapy