What Is Cupping Therapy and Why Is It Trending?

June 23rd, 2017

Awake Goy

June 24th, 2017

By Dr. Edward Group

Guest Writer for Wake Up World

Cupping therapy is an ancient practice that is now considered part of the complementary and alternative (CAM) medicine category, along with acupuncture and aromatherapy. During a cupping therapy session, a massage or acupuncture therapist applies suction cups to various areas of the body. The cup may be made of bamboo, plastic, or glass; traditionally, horns and shells have also been used.[1] While the cup is in place, suction stimulates blood flow and even causes blood to leak into the skin and produce a hickey-like red or purple bruise. Reported benefits include joint and muscle pain relief, increased blood flow, and reduced inflammation.

Although the practice rose to mainstream, international attention during the 2016 Summer Olympics when athletes were spotted sporting large circular bruises on their arms, backs, and legs, the practice actually began in ancient Egypt.[2] From there, it spread to Greece, Europe, the Middle East, and Eastern Asia.[1]Because cupping therapy has a long history in several cultures, it is known by other names including needlehorn, sucking method, fire cupping, and horning. The term “cupping” usually refers to dry cupping. This is different from wet cupping which is less common and involves lacerating the skin with a scalpel to allow bleeding.

The Health Benefits of Cupping Therapy

According to advocates, cupping increases blood flow to the areas where the cups are placed, making it an effective way to Natural Tips for Supporting Sore Muscles and Joints. Some proponents insist that cupping helps the body repair muscle damage by pulling nutrients into the affected areas, but there’s no hard, scientific data to support the idea.

Although much of the conversation supporting cupping therapy is anecdotal, a few rigorous studies exist and the results suggest that cupping offers a way to help manage pain.[3] In fact, in some trials, cupping therapy relieved pain just as well as conventional treatments for pain management.[4] One of the most appealing benefits of employing alternative methods for pain management is that there are no adverse side-effects, unlike pharmaceutical drugs. The therapeutic benefits of cupping might be the placebo effect, but even if the relief you feel stems from the expectation of relief, it’s still, arguably, a better option.^[5]

As an interesting sidenote, it seems that shingles, also known as herpes zoster, benefits from cupping therapy when used in conjunction with other CAM therapies, but more research is needed to pinpoint the mode of action.[3]

Alternatives to Cupping Therapy for Muscle Pain

Of course, there are other methods for relieving discomfort that have stronger scientific evidence. An ice compress is an excellent way to relieve sore muscles because the cold helps control inflammation in the affected area.[6] Ointments that contain menthol are especially helpful for soothing stiff, sore muscles.[7]

What natural methods or therapies do you use to relieve muscle soreness? Leave a comment below and tell us!

Article Sources:

Mehta, Piyush, and Vividha Dhapte. “Cupping Therapy: A Prudent Remedy for a Plethora of Medical Ailments.” Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 5.3 (2015): 127–134. Web. 19 Dec. 2016.
Christopoulou-Aletra, Helen, and Niki Papavramidou. “Cupping: An Alternative Surgical Procedure Used by Hippocratic Physicians.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 14.8 (2008): 899–902. Web.
Cao, Huijuan, Xun Li, and Jianping Liu. “An Updated Review of the Efficacy of Cupping Therapy.” PLoS One 7.2 (2012): n.pag. Web. 19 Dec. 2016.
Kim, Jong-In, et al. “Cupping for Treating Pain: A Systematic Review.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2011. (2011): n.pag. Web. 19 Dec. 2016.
“The Power of Suggestion: What We Expect Influences Our Behavior, for Better or Worse.” Association for Psychological Science. Association for Psychological Science, 6 June 2012. Web. 19 Dec. 2016.
“Muscle aches.” Medline Plus. 2 Dec. 2016. Web. 19 Dec. 2016.
Johar, Pramod, et al. “A comparison of topical menthol to ice on pain, evoked tetanic and voluntary force during delayed onset muscle soreness.” International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy 7.3 (2012): 314–322. Web. 20 Dec. 2016.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Wake Up World does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Wake Up World are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.

Recommended articles by Dr. Edward Group:

About the author:

Dr. Edward F. Group III (DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM) founded Global Healing Center in 1998 and is currently the Chief Executive Officer. Heading up the research and development team, Dr. Group assumes a hands-on approach in producing new and advanced degenerative disease products and information.

Dr. Group has studied natural healing methods for over 20 years and now teaches individuals and practitioners all around the world. He no longer sees patients but solely concentrates on spreading the word of health and wellness to the global community. Under his leadership, Global Healing Center, Inc. has earned recognition as one of the largest alternative, natural and organic health resources on the internet.

For more information, please visit Global Healing Center.

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