Types of Cupping
The modern world of healing has embraced "Cupping Therapy," another wonderful ancient technique that has powerful results & is in use extensively through out China region, Greece & Middle East countries for several thousand years.
By creating suction and negative pressure, cupping is used to drain excess fluids and toxins; stimulate the peripheral nervous system; bring blood flow to stagnant muscles and skin; and loosen adhesion, connective tissue and stubborn knots in soft tissue.
The cupping procedure commonly involves creating a small area of low air pressure next to the skin. However, there is variety in the tools used, the method of creating the low pressure, and the procedures followed during the treatment.
Dry Cupping
There are 3 types of Dry cupping methods:
Dry Cupping
Dry Massage Cupping
Fire Cupping
Dry cupping is a method by which suction is created on particular points on the patient’s body. Suction could be created by using heat to warm the cups so that the cooling air inside the cup creates a vacuum that tugs the skin upwards. Other methods of creating suction include using an air pump to siphon air out of the cup. In today’s times, glass cups are used so that the therapist can monitor the condition of the skin. The cups can be various shapes including balls or bells, and may range in size from 1 to 3 inches (25 to 76 mm) across the opening. Plastic and glass are the most common materials used today, replacing the horn, pottery, bronze and bamboo cups used in earlier times.
In the recent times medical grade silicone cups are also used because of their pliability for dry cupping on face and on other soft areas.
Depending on the specific treatment, skin marking is common after the cups are removed. This may be a simple red ring that disappears quickly, the discoloration left by the cups is normally from bruising especially if dragging the cups while suctioned from one place to another to break down muscle fiber. Usually treatments are not painful, but treatment is discontinued if the subject experiences more than minor discomfort.
Dry Massage Cupping is also effective in treating cellulite. A light suction provides drainage, while heavier application can be used to stimulate circulation and loosen adhesion or "dimpling." The thigh and hip region should be treated prior to a wrapping procedure to enhance the absorption of product. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this technique is the subtle nuance of the movements. Creativity provides a variety of methods, and alteration of pressure and speed produces different sensations. For example, the edge of the cup can be used to "scoop" in a cross-fiber movement, while vigorous circles feel marvelous on the hips, thighs and shoulders. Long strokes down the sides of the spine and along the ribs provide ease to rib cage expansion and breathing.
Massage cupping can be integrated into almost any modality. The equipment is inexpensive (and easily cleaned and stored), practitioners can become proficient quickly with proper training, and it is really fun to do!
Fire cupping is a treatment where a cotton ball dipped in 50% or greater alcohol is lit and the cotton ball is then introduced inside of the cup for a brief second. The cup is then placed on the patient. As a small vacuum has been created by the cooling of the hot air and gases inside the cup, the skin is drawn up into the cup creating a seal. If oil has been applied, the cups can be moved around the patient’s body along the “meridians” and at specific points to allegedly help with immune boosting and other “modalities”.
Wet cupping
