Cupping therapy is an old method of healing that has been used for hundreds of years to help with pain relief, muscle recovery, and general health. It’s been used more and more in modern wellness centers, physiotherapy centers, and sports recovery programs over the past few years.
A lot of people who come to Medicentre Bolton ask if cupping therapy is safe, successful, and good for everyday pain. This guide explains everything clearly to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is an extra treatment in which carefully made cups are put on the skin to create suction. This pressure pulls the skin and tissues below it up slowly. This may help blood flow and loosen up muscles that are tight.
Cupping therapy has been around for a very long time, even though it is now widely used in modern healthcare. This has been done in:
- TCM, or traditional Chinese medicine
- Medicine from the Middle East (Hijama)
- Ancient Egyptian ways of healing
Cupping therapy is often used today to help with muscle pain, stiffness in the back and neck, sports injuries, and tightness caused by stress.
Understanding How Cupping Therapy Works
Controlled suction is used to work the cupping treatment on certain parts of the body. Blood is pulled to the skin’s surface by suction, and muscles deeper in the skin are gently raised.
During this process:
- Blood flow in the area may get better
- Tense muscles can start to loosen up
- The nerves in that area are gently activated
This reaction may help the body heal itself. The round marks that appear after treatment are not harmful; they are caused by more blood flow and usually go away on their own in a few days.
Types of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy comes in different forms, and the one that is used relies on the patient’s condition, the treatment goals, and the training of the therapist. While each method is a little different, they all work on the same general idea: they all use suction to get blood flowing and muscles relaxing.
Dry Cupping
The type of cupping treatment that is used most often is dry cupping. With this method, cups are put on the skin, and a hand or electric pump is used to create suction. No cuts are made. Dry cupping is often suggested for first-time patients because it is safe and doesn’t hurt. It can help reduce muscle pain, stiffness, and tightness, especially in the back, neck, and shoulders.
Wet Cupping (Hijama)
Before pressure is applied, small, shallow cuts are made in the skin during wet cupping, which is also called Hijama. In Middle Eastern and Islamic health, this method is often used to help clean the body. It needs to be done by a professional with strict cleanliness rules. Not everyone can do it; this is especially important for people with bleeding issues or those taking blood thinners.
Fire Cupping
Fire cupping is an old technique that uses heat to make vacuums inside glass cups. Before the cup is put on the skin, a short flame takes away the air from it. It can help with deep muscle pain, but it is riskier and should only be done by trained professionals in a safe medical environment.
Moving (Sliding) Cupping
Before moving the cups, oil is put on the skin so that the cups can move easily over the muscles. This method is often used on bigger areas like the shoulders and back. It helps loosen up tight muscles, makes you more flexible, and calms you down. Many people find it more relaxing than regular cupping.
What Happens During a Cupping Therapy Session?
Most sessions of cupping treatment last between 20 and 30 minutes. After cleaning the skin, the therapist puts the cups on the areas that need it and gently suctions them in.
Most of the time, the cups stay in place for 5 to 15 minutes. A lot of people say it feels tight but also calming. It’s normal to feel a little sore later, like after getting a deep massage.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
A lot of people say that cupping therapy makes them feel better, especially when they do it regularly as part of a wellness practice. Some possible advantages are:
- Reduced muscle tightness and pain
- Better blood flow
- Better healing time after working out
- Help with tension headaches
- Less stress and more relaxation
You should know that results are different for everyone and that cupping treatment should not be used instead of medical care.
Scientific Evidence on Cupping Therapy
There is still limited scientific research explaining what is cupping therapy and how effective it is. Some studies show it may help ease pain, especially in the back and neck, but the overall quality of the evidence is inconsistent.
Harvard Health Publishing says that cupping may help some people with pain in the short term, but more high-quality study is needed to fully understand how well it works.
Is Cupping Therapy Safe?
When done by a trained professional with clean tools, cupping treatment is usually safe. There aren’t many risks with dry cupping for most healthy people.
Safety depends on how experienced the practitioner is, how clean the area is, and the person’s health. Choosing a center with a good reputation, like Medicentre Bolton, lowers the risks.
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Side Effects and Risks of Cupping Therapy
Many side effects are mild and only last a short time. Some of these are
- Skin marks in a circle
- A little pain
- Temporarily sensitive skin
Burns, skin swelling, or infections are rare risks that are usually caused by bad technique or poor cleanliness.
Cupping Therapy Safety Considerations
Cupping therapy might not be right for you if:
- Have problems with bleeding
- Take medicine that thins the blood
- Have cuts or sores on their skin
- Are you pregnant without a doctor’s approval
Before getting treatment, you should always talk to a medical professional.
Before and After Cupping Therapy Care
Stay hydrated, avoid big meals, and let the practitioner know about any health problems you have before the treatment. After treatment, make sure you drink water, don’t do any heavy exercise for 24 hours, and keep the area clean.
Cupping Marks: What to Expect
Most of the time, cup marks last:
- Between 3 and 5 days with light suction
- 5–7 days with light suction
- Up to two weeks with stronger suction
They go away on their own and aren’t permanent.
Final Thoughts
Cupping treatment has been used for a long time, and for those wondering what is cupping therapy, it is a traditional technique believed to help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and help people relax when done correctly. It’s not a replacement for medical care, but it can be helpful in addition to it.
If you live in the UK and are thinking about cupping treatment, talk to a trained professional or look into reputable hospitals like Medicentre Bolton: Visit https://medicentrebolton.com/
FAQs
Does cupping hurt?
Most of the time, cupping treatment doesn’t hurt. Pressure or a tight pulling feeling is what most people describe. This feeling is often called relaxed instead of painful.
How many times a week should you do cupping?
Cupping therapy is usually done every one to four weeks, but it depends on the person, their pain level, and their treatment goals.
Do cupping marks last forever?
No, cupping marks don’t last. They go away on their own in a few days to two weeks and don’t damage the skin permanently.
Is it safe to do cupping?
Yes, cupping therapy is usually safe as long as it is done by a trained individual with clean tools.
Who should stay away from cupping therapy?
Before getting cupping treatment, people who have bleeding disorders, take medicine to thin their blood, have skin infections, or are pregnant should talk to a doctor.
