Cupping Therapy, also known as Hijama, is an ancient healing therapy used for thousands of years. It is a form of Traditional and Chinese Medicine (TCM) to cure recurring pain in certain body parts.
Therapists do this to ease the pain with the help of cups. A therapist places cups on several parts of the body such as the stomach, arms, back, or legs. The cups create suction which pulls the skin upward. It is one of the most effective ways to release the toxins from the body tissues and organs.
What is Cupping Therapy?
It is a technique where small glass cups or bamboo jars act as suction devices. Therapists place the cups on the affected areas of the body to disperse and break up stagnation and congestion. It works by drawing congested blood, or energy to the surface.
Therapists use glass cups for this therapy. The other cups used in the therapy are:
- Plastic Cups
- Bamboo Cups
- Ceramic Cups
- Metal Cups
- Silicone Cups
Types of Cupping Therapy
Cupping is done by different techniques. The major types are-
Wet Cupping
In wet cupping, the skin is punctured and blood is drawn out in the suction process before the cups are placed.
In case of wet cupping, honey is applied to fix the cups as well as for the skin scarification, hence enhancing the process of healing.
Dry Cupping
In dry cupping, the bottom of a glass cup is rinsed with methylated spirits, set alight, and placed over the skin. The flame stops the supply of oxygen, which causes a partial vacuum and the skin is sucked inside the glass.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Faster Pain Relief
Cupping can help in relieving recurring pains caused due to problems such as arthritis, lower back pain, etc. It also cures headache, dental pain, muscle pain, sciatica, etc.
Cupping increases blood circulation and mobility. This makes it an effective treatment for conditions like rheumatism, stiff neck, and shoulders.
Keeping the Skin Healthy
Cupping improves the blood flow in the skin and also increases the supply of oxygen and required nutrients for healthy skin. It also helps in reducing the relapse of acne and other skin diseases like eczema.
Cupping therapy also helps in the expansion of the blood vessels to facilitate blood flow and also remove toxins from the surface of the skin.
Reduces Fatigue & provides relaxation
Cupping acts as massage and provides relaxation to the body. This makes it an effective treatment for reducing fatigue.
