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Cupping for Manual Therapists

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How Does Cupping Work?

Cupping is a method of treating illness that is caused by local congestion. When blood flow is interrupted is compromised in an area of the body (for whatever reason), it effects the circulation locally, and can have an effect of other body parts as well.

Historically, it was said that cupping removed ‘wind’ from the body. What was meant by this, was that if an illness was brought on by a weather change or exposure to extreme climates then it would be treated with cupping. Any illness that is demonstrating symptoms on the exterior of the body would be considered applicable for cupping therapy.

Throughout the historical data available, we can see in many cultures cupping was used to reduce pain, muscular tension and injury. It has been readily used to treat many lung conditions as well. The drawing out effect of negative pressure helps to stimulate lung function.

It is still a little unclear as to how cupping actually works. Through recent studies we can see that cupping is changing blood hormone levels, which indicate a reduction in pain.

The action of creating suction creates a histamine-like response, which is a part of the human immune response. From this, we may consider that cupping is activating the healing response in the body.

Recently, studies have demonstrated that brain wave activity is effected with cupping treatment, suggesting that the pain response is indeed decreased after cupping.

The Cupping Mechanism

A partial vacuum is created in a cupping jar, which is then applied directly to the skin. The underlying tissue is drawn up into the jar forming an area of blood stasis. This appears to bruise the area, or at least turn it a bright red. The amount of dark red or even purple blood drawn to the surface indicates the quality of circulation, inflammation and we can determine whether an injury is new or old. 

Marks often appear over injuries that were long forgotten.  This demonstrates leftover inflammation, dead blood cells, collagen and cellular debris. Dark red coloration is a sign of heat and decreased blood flow. Blue and purple marks indicate more of a cold or chronic condition which in many cases in modern terms also can relate to the amount of toxins and debris in the blood and intracellular fluids.

When the blood is drawn to the surface of the body, old and stale blood becomes more readily available to be flushed by the lymphatic system. In this way, cupping has a cleaning effect on the system.

Some studies demonstrate that the suction function of cupping draws the blood from as deeply as 5 cm inside the body toward the surface. We cannot doubt that blood is being drawn to the surface, as in many cases with cupping we can see the effect of this mechanism through the deep red marks which sometimes occur. This is an indication of how deeply and profoundly cupping can impact the body beyond the surface, and why it should be performed with great care.

Fire cupping is not permitted by the NCBTMB, or most insurers to be performed by massage therapists. Make sure you have obtained the proper insurance, and that you practice safely.

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