Although it really only came to the forefront during the 2016 Olympics, Cupping (also known as Myofascial Decompression) has been around for centuries. In fact, its use has been documented in the medical practices of the early Egyptians and Chinese. Its applicability in modern medicine seems to be expanding, with new studies emerging on its effectiveness and safety in a variety of conditions.
What is cupping?
Cupping creates a vacuum, drawing tissues of the body towards the inner surface of the cup. A few methods exist, but the vacuum is usually created via a suction device. “Wet” cupping involves small incisions in the skin to allow the cup to physically draw blood out. While evidence is beginning to emerge for wet cupping in conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, non-specific low back pain, neck pain, and certain types of nerve pain, it is relatively invasive. Thus, I will hereon be referring to the more commonly practiced “dry” cupping which skips the incisions and allows the suction alone to do the work.
What does it do?
The treatment is said to have both a local as well as systemic effect. Locally, the cups act to promote both blood flow and lymphatic flow, which would be beneficial for pain originating in the muscle and surrounding fascia. There is also the theory that as a result of the bruising there is a local decrease in pain receptor activation as well as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. This could ultimately lead to shorter healing times for sprains and strains as well as making it a viable option for general muscle soreness. Systemically there may also be a mild reduction in inflammation, although this has yet to be demonstrated in human clinical trials.
Does it hurt?
Generally, no. This may be surprising to people based on the deep, dark purple marks that can be left on the skin for a week or sometimes longer. A mild pinching sensation is sometimes experienced as the cup creates the vacuum, but otherwise the treatment is more or less painless.
Why does it turn purple?
The negative pressure within the cup causes a vast increase in blood perfusion, with one study demonstrating a 5-fold increase in the amount of local blood flow. Along with this, depending on the amount of suction applied, there can also be a rupture of local capillaries, resulting in blood flowing into the tissues under the skin. This is the same thing that happens when you get a bruise, but without the trauma and resulting tissue damage.
Will it benefit you?
Yes, in many cases. In today’s society we are constantly stressed and constantly in a “contracted” state. By this I mean we are tense, often contracting our muscles without even realizing. This is in addition to the times we intentionally contract our muscles i.e. in the gym during a workout, during sports performance, etc. Even foam rolling involves compressing a muscle in order to help relax tissues and increase blood flow. Cupping provides an alternative treatment that allows for decompression of tissues and an increase in circulation, resulting in decreased pain and improved muscle function.
I utilize cupping in my practice for many of the reasons above. See your local Naturopath or physical therapist to see if cupping is right for you.
References
1. Qureshi NA, Ali GI, Abushanab TS, El-Olemy AT, et al. History of cupping (Hijama): a narrative review of literature. J Integr Med. 2017 May;15(3):172-181.
2. Cupping therapy versus acupuncture for pain-related conditions: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and trial sequential analysis. Chin Med. 2017; 24;12:21.
3. Kim JI1, Kim TH, Lee MS, Kang JW, et al. Evaluation of wet-cupping therapy for persistent non-specific low back pain: a randomised, waiting-list controlled, open-label, parallel-group pilot trial. Trials. 2011; 10(12):146.
4. Lowe DT. Cupping therapy: An analysis of the effects of suction on skin and the possible influence on human health. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017; 29:162-168.
5. Al Bedah AM, Khalil MK, Posadzki P, Sohaibani I, et al. Evaluation of Wet Cupping Therapy: Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Altern Complement Med. 2016; 22(10):768-777.
6. Michalsen A1, Bock S, Lüdtke R, Rampp T, et al. Effects of traditional cupping therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. J Pain. 2009; 10(6):601-8.
7. Cramer H1, Lauche R, Hohmann C, Choi KE, et al. Randomized controlled trial of pulsating cupping (pneumatic pulsation therapy) for chronic neck pain. Forsch Komplementmed. 2011; 18(6):327-34.
