What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is an ancient therapeutic practice that involves placing cups on the skin to create a vacuum or suction effect. This technique is often used as a form of alternative or complementary medicine and is employed in various cultures and traditional healing systems, including Chinese medicine and Middle Eastern practices.
Here's how cupping therapy generally works:
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Cup Selection: Cups made from materials such as glass, bamboo, silicone, or plastic are used. These cups are available in different sizes to accommodate various areas of the body.
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Suction Creation: The therapist heats the air inside the cup or applies a vacuum using a hand pump. As the air cools or is removed, a partial vacuum is created, causing the skin to be drawn up into the cup. This creates a suction effect.
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Placement on Skin: The cups are then placed on specific areas of the body, typically on the back, shoulders, or other areas with muscle tension or discomfort.
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Suction and Skin Response: The cups remain in place for a designated period, usually around 5 to 15 minutes. The suction draws blood to the surface of the skin and may cause the skin to become reddened or "bruised" temporarily due to the increased blood flow.
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Removal and Aftercare: After the cups are removed, the therapist may apply gentle massage or use other techniques to further address the treated area. Depending on the person's response, marks or "cupping marks" might be left on the skin temporarily, which usually fade over a few days.
