Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine where special cups are placed on the skin to create suction. This technique is believed to have several effects on the body:
The suction created by the cups draws blood to the targeted area, promoting better circulation. This enhanced blood flow can accelerate the healing of tissues and reduce muscle soreness.
By increasing circulation and lifting the skin and underlying tissues slightly, cupping can help relieve tension, loosen muscles, and reduce pain. It's often used for conditions like back pain, neck stiffness, and migraines.
Some practitioners believe that cupping helps draw toxins out of the body by improving lymphatic flow and blood movement.
Although cupping creates a localized inflammatory response, over time it may actually help reduce overall inflammation by promoting better immune system activity.
The therapy can have a calming effect on the nervous system, similar to a deep tissue massage, leading to lower stress levels.
The marks or bruises that often appear after cupping are a natural and expected response called petechiae or ecchymosis. Here’s what happens:
• When suction is applied, tiny blood vessels (capillaries) just under the skin break due to the pressure.
• Blood leaks out of these vessels and pools under the skin, causing the red, purple, or blue discoloration typical of a bruise.
• These bruises are usually painless and fade away within a few days to a week.
• The intensity of the color can vary depending on the amount of suction used, the duration of the cupping session, and the individual's skin sensitivity and health condition.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the appearance of bruising is often interpreted as a sign that "stagnant blood" or "blocked qi" (vital energy) is being drawn to the surface, helping the body to clear it and restore balance.
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