How does cupping massage work?

Cupping massage is a traditional therapy in which cups are placed on the skin to create a vacuum.

The cups can be made of glass, bamboo, earthenware, or silicone. The vacuum in the cups can be created in two ways. Hot cupping involves placing a burning substance (such as alcohol) in the cup and then quickly removing it, after which the cup is placed on the skin. The air inside the cup cools and creates a vacuum. Cold cupping uses a pump to suck the air out of the cup after it is placed on the skin.

The cups are placed on specific acupuncture points or painful areas. The vacuum pulls the skin and underlying tissue into the cup. This is said to increase blood flow to the area and promote healing. The cups usually remain on the skin for between 5 and 20 minutes. Sometimes the cups are moved over the skin in circular or linear movements to achieve a massage effect.

Due to the increased blood flow and relaxation of muscles, cupping is said to help relieve pain, especially chronic pain and muscle aches. The increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage is said to help reduce inflammation. The vacuum effect is said to help reduce stress and promote overall relaxation.

Although many people benefit from cupping, the scientific evidence for its effectiveness is virtually non-existent. Some studies suggest that cupping can help relieve pain and other symptoms, while other studies have found no significant benefits.

Source: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0031793

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-07-15 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024