FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS),

 

Is Cupping Therapy safe?

Yes, all cupping methods are safe when performed by a qualified and competent practitioner who abides by all the precautions.

Does cupping therapy hurt?

No, it’s just a pulling sensation being experienced on the skin. The pulling sensation (the suction action of the cup) should be well tolerated by the patient. It depend on the individual’s skin sensitivity, the power of suction might feel too strong for some people, which can cause pain even. As a therapist I control the power of suction by maintaining constant communication with my patient.

Should I bleed from the cupping site?

With the dry cupping technique, no bleeding occurs as incisions are not being performed on the body. In dry cupping only moderate suction is created.

bloodletting in cupping therapy

Does bleeding occur during Wet Cupping?

Yes, of course, during the procedure of wet cupping, toxic blood is drawn into the cup. It’s a painless treatment.

Is there a Difference between Hijama and Wet Cupping?

Wet Cupping is an English word whereas Hijama is an Arabic word. They have no difference.

Where on the body should cupping therapy is avoided?

Cupping application is not at all recommended over the eyes and the genital areas of the body.

How long the cupping marks last?

Normally, cupping marks disappear within a week; darker cupping marks may last up to 20 days. However, these marks fade within a day or two and sometimes never occur.

How long does each cupping session last?

It is recommended to limit the first cupping session to five-minute intervals for each anatomical location. This can be increased gradually, to up to 30 minutes.

I feel slightly tired and sleepy following cupping treatment. Is this normal?

Yes, due to increased blood and lymphatic circulation, some people may feel light-headed, sleepy or tired following a cupping session.

Can I go to the gym after my cupping treatment?

Generally speaking, vigorous activity immediately after wet cupping treatment is not at all recommended. However, after moving cupping or dry cupping exercises could be performed.

Can I go for a run following a cupping session?

No, if the cupping is applied to treat an individual muscular complaint. Running should be avoided, if the treatment is targeting more constitutional conditions such as tiredness and weakness.

Should I eat before a cupping treatment or have the treatment on an empty stomach?

An empty stomach and a full stomach should both be avoided. It is best to have a light snack 2 hours before the treatment, or an hour before the session.

What is the best time of the day to have cupping therapy treatment?

Any time of the day is possible. Book an appointment before coming.

Is cupping therapy dangerous when fasting?

Mostly the dry or massage cupping method is suitable when fasting. You can have few wet cupping points during fasting. It’s safe to have cupping therapy.

Can I have cupping treatment during menstruation?

NO, avoid having wet cupping therapy during menstruation. You can have dry or massage cupping during menstruation.

Can I have a bath after cupping therapy?

Yes, but avoid soap over the cupped areas.

Does cupping therapy cause any form of skin damage?

No, none of the cupping methods causes or result in permanent skin damage.  However temporary blisters or cupping marks can occur and can sometimes last for up to 20 days.

Why do I have marks or bruises after cupping treatment?

Let’s make one thing clear: cupping marks are not bruises but can be described as ‘ecchymosis’. The English Medical Dictionary, describes a bruise as a ‘contusion or dark painful area on the skin, where blood has escaped under the skin following a blow’. Ecchymosis, describes painless discoloration of the skin which is caused by the local leakage of capillary blood under the skin. It’s quite normal that some people mark more easily than others.

How many cups are usually applied during one session?

Depending on the body part that is being treated, practitioners may use 5–15 cups in one session. According to studies, in Eastern countries, it is quite typical to see up to 60 cups used in one session!

I suffer from blocked sinuses, can I have cupping treatment on my face?

The best way to treat blocked sinuses with cupping therapy is to apply moving cupping technique to the affected area, using soft cupping equipment with minimum suction. Wet Cupping will do wonders for blocked sinuses.

Can I do cupping on myself?

Yes, self-cupping on the frontal parts of the body is usually quite possible.

Does cupping cause skin lesion or any kind of damage to the skin?

Definitely not! A pinkish or reddening appearance of the skin surface is expected owing to increased blood circulation to the area.

What if I blister during the cupping?

blisters

Sometimes strong cupping methods, if it’s left on the skin for a long time, can usually cause a blister to appear. There is no need to panic if this happens. Using an acupuncture needle burst the blister and drains the fluid out. Using sterilized gauze, cover the area and keep it dry for few days.

Can I cup over the eyes?

No, cupping over the eyes is contraindicated.

Can I cup on the face?

Yes, the Light cupping technique is normally used on the face.

Will cupping treatment interfere with my prescribed medication?

Not really. Cupping therapy is one of the safest treatments. I haven’t come across any side effects on my patients during my cupping practice!

Should I feel tired after the treatment?

It is normal to feel slightly tired or light-headed immediately after the treatment. A short rest should rectify this.

Is there any particular period of a month to avoid cupping?

Not specifically for dry or massage cupping. But for wet cupping (Hijama) avoid being cupped on Wednesdays. 

Is there a particular period in a month to favor cupping?

Only in Muslim traditional medicine, where bleeding cupping (Hijama) is recommended during the ‘full moon’, as the ‘bodily fluids also rise’; therefore the therapy is considered to be more ‘effective’. 17, 19, 21 of Islamic months are more preferable for Wet Cupping (Hijama).

Can one obtain strong suction using small cups?

Suction strength depends on two factors: the size of the cup and the negative pressure created by pump! Both factors help to determine the suction strength on the skin. However, one can easily create strong pulling action even with the small cup.

Comment below for further questions regarding cupping therapy..