The mechanism of Cupping Therapy

 Cupping Technique

There are many different alternative cupping techniques, every with its own applications and purpose. Some varieties of cups are appropriate for a few techniques however not for others.

How does Cupping Work

how does cupping work

Cupping works through the ability of suction, that is made either by introducing a flame into the cup or by manually extracting the air from the cup.

  The aim is to create a controlled vacuum within the cup. As a result, the skin and the fascia, in which the blood vessels, glands, nerves, muscles, ligaments and tendons are wrapped, lifted and forcefully moved against atmospheric gravity towards the suction cup, resulting in local myofascial decompression. The pulling action on the surface of the skin by the negative pressure inside the cup creates a movement that has a direct effect on both the superficial and the deeper levels of body fascia. This in turn leads to increased blood and fluid circulation, causing cellular, energetic and physical adjustments to take place, such as an increase in the metabolic rate.

According to my thinking, it is this conflicting gravity trick as well as the unexpected additional increase in micro-circulation that sends the self-healing mechanism into action!

Intensity of Cupping

You will be surprised to discover the intensity and pulling power of the cup, once the air is expelled from  it!  At all times during cupping application, any form of skin damage must be avoided!!!

Light Cupping

Minimal suction is created on the skin. In light or weak cupping method.  The suction is very mild, to the point where the skin is barely sucked into and the cup can move and slide on the surface of the skin effortlessly.light or weak cupping can be done with any type of cup. There will be a mild pink color to the skin after the application. The cup should not leave any strong bruise marks, or any marks at all. If marks are left, they will fade within minutes or hours. This technique nourishes the body if it is depleted. It is not meant to get rid of toxins or scar tissue. It can also improve weak organ function by bringing more nutrients and blood flow to the organ to help it perform better.This technique is good for children, the elderly, and people who are weak or have a prolonged illness. Light or weak cupping tends to stimulate the body, helping to regulate the blood and energy. It  bring nourishment to the affected area.

plastic vacuum cup

    When using plastic vacuum suction cups or magnetic  suction cups just pump once; even half a  pump will do, as long as the cups stay on the body. 

twist rotary cup

For twist rotary cups , twist until the cup has a slight suction, enough to grasp onto the body

silicone cup for cupping

For silicone cups, press down slightly, enough to create suction with the skin.

glass cup

 For glass cups and bamboo cups, only place the fire in the cup for half

bamboo cup

a second before placing the cup on the body. Also, the cup can be transferred slowly from the fire to the skin, which allows more air to enter the cup.

During the initial consultation and the first follow-up visit, I would strongly recommend the light/week cupping method. This is a safe way to introduce cupping suction on the skin.

Medium Cupping

Medium-strength cupping is the most frequently used cupping method of all in it moderate suction is created on the skin . Medium Cupping is a stronger version of Weak Cupping, and a weaker version of Strong Cupping. Since it is stronger than Weak Cupping, the skin will go deeper into the cup, creating darker marks that can be dark red or even light purple in color. It is the most commonly used method of cupping, as it is good for almost all conditions. It can be used for clearing out pathogens, stopping pain, nourishing the body, and improving organ function. It can still be done on someone with a weak constitution if fewer cups are used, or if the cups are left on for less time, making it less draining on the body. It is better for pain relief. It is less intense than Strong Cupping, and therefore safer. It is generally not used on the face, as it may leave bruise marks.In it suction is firmer and may leave cupping marks on the skin lasting up to ten days.Moving and sliding the cup on the surface of the skin requires moderate effort! Medium-strength cupping is the most frequently used cupping method of all.medium cupping

*When using plastic vacuum cups and magnetic cups, use one full pump to create a medium amount of suction.

* For twist rotary cups, twist until the cup has a moderate amount of suction, enough roughly three to four twists of the rotor. 

*For silicone cups, press down about halfway to create medium suction.

*For glass cups and bamboo cups, only place the fire in the cup for one second before placing it on the body. 

Strong Cupping

In this technique, the suction is really intense! The skin and the fascia are pulled quite intensely towards the cup. Moving or sliding the cup over the surface of the skin is almost impossible and should not be attempted. This method is only applied as a static cupping method and should only be introduced following at least three light or medium-strength cupping applications to the same anatomical location. During strong cupping application, cupping marks are almost unavoidable and may last up to three weeks Strong suction tends to drain the body, which expends energy and resources to recover from the cupping. strong cupping

 Strong Cupping can be done with any type of cup. When using, the skin is sucked deep into the cup, instantly turning it quite red. The cup may leave deep red or deep purple bruise marks, which may take a few days to a few weeks to dissipate. This technique is meant for getting rid of toxins or scar tissue. It is rather draining on the body, which will need time to repair itself and to get rid of the toxins accumulated there. This technique is good for sudden (acute) pain or injuries, sharp pain that occurs over a smaller area, and medium to strong pain. It is inappropriate to use this technique for children, the elderly, or people who are weak or have prolonged illness, as it is too draining and will tax their body.

*When using plastic vacuum cups and magnetic cups, pump the cup two to three times, ensuring the skin gets sucked into the cup about an inch. 

*For twist rotary cups, twist until the skin is sucked into the cup about an inch (three to five 180-degree twists). 

*For silicone cups, press down all the way, so that when you let go, it creates a strong suction with the skin.

*For glass cups and bamboo cups, place the fire in the cup for around 1 second. You must transfer the cup quickly from the fire to the skin to ensure that a minimal amount of air goes into the cup, maintaining a strong suction.

* For any cup type, if the suction is not strong enough, you can take the cup off and redo it. Leave the cup on for 10 to 15 minutes.

 For any cup type, if the suction is too strong, you can slowly lift one edge of the cup up while using one finger to lightly press down the skin, releasing some air back into the cup and reducing suction. Leave the cup on the skin for 20 to 30 minutes, checking the cups every 10 minutes to avoid blistering.

CAUTION: 

If your suction is too strong, it can make the skin blister. If you feel the suction is too strong when applying the cup, slowly lift one edge of the cup up while using one finger to lightly press down on the skin, releasing some air back into the cup to reduce the suction. You must watch the skin for the duration of the session to ensure that it does not turn very dark purple or blister. If it does blister, take the cup off immediately, wash your hands with soap and warm water.....