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There’s a long history surrounding cupping as a therapeutic technique, but how many people who have felt its benefits really understand how it all works? We all joke about our clients getting into a heated battle with an octopus, losing a fight with a vacuum cleaner, or becoming a pepperoni pizza, but do we explain the science behind the ‘cup-kisses’?
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The truth is that there are a few different benefits to cupping and a good reason why massage and cupping compliment each other so well. There have been many scientific studies done of the positive and placebo effects of cupping in the last 15 years. All the articles surrounding these studies can be found on the National Library of Medicine website. While there are some notable placebo effects for skeletal-musculo pain, there is definitive evidence to suggest long lasting pain management benefits.
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Low pressure cupping increases red blood cell presence in the affected area, as well as the number of oxygenated blood cells. Meaning that 15 minutes post treatment the areas we had cupped are more blood rich, nutrient dense, and have better oxygen distribution; which is key for proper muscle metabolism. The effects of this mean reduced pain and better movement. Low pressure cupping also dilates our small blood vessels by up to 15% of their normal size making it easier for the exchange of nutrients and the flow of blood to and from the site. These benefits typically last up to 2 hours post treatment.
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Low pressure cupping therapy also has a positive effect on lymph flow and vessels. This can be applied for and effective immune system boost that helps with overcoming cold symptoms, systemic inflammation, and issues caused by low lymph flow. If you are curious about cupping in relation to your health consult your family doctor and see if it might be a good addition to your treatment regimen.
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Here you can see the progression of lymph flow \r\nover the course of 2 hours post cupping treatment.\r\n\r\n\n
High pressure cupping, on the other hand causes short term edema to the effected areas up to 24hrs, but the results past that are longer lasting, and deeper than surface level. While high pressure cupping can cause more severe looking bruise marks, they have a very neat purpose. These marks leave pools of oxygenated blood beneath the skin that is metabolized by the muscle tissue at a steadier pace that last longer and seems to be somewhat more effective on connective tissues. High pressure cupping was shown to increase oxygen saturation at the site by 15.5% and only decreased by 4.11% after 24hrs.
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It also has been shown to promote the restructuring of displaced tissue at injury sites. This is one of the primary reasons why our physiotherapist, Magdalena, uses cupping in her practice. To treat scar tissue, incision sites, c-section scars, and hypertonic IT bands.
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Here you see the progression of new capillary formation and\r\nsubsequent blood flow over the course of 24hrs post cupping treatment.\r\n\r\n\n
Overall both low-, and high-pressure cupping therapies have their benefits. Most pain relief is achieved through increased blood flow, higher rates of metabolism, and increased lymph flow, as well as deconstruction and rehabilitation of connective tissues. This process in conjunction with manual therapies can have long lasting pain relief effects and a positive influence on injury or post-surgery rehabilitation. If you are experiencing restricted movement due to overworked muscles or scar tissue, ask your therapist about whether cupping would be a welcome addition to your treatment.
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Cupping isn’t a trend; it is an ancient medicine. Cupping has been used for thousands of years, from Egyptian medical texts to classical Chinese medicine and healing customs worldwide. Knowing about the therapy’s history helps us understand how it works, why it works, and why we still use it today.
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Ancient Egypt, c. 1550 BC
\nThe practice of cupping therapy is one of the oldest medical treatments that has been documented. Cupping was recorded in the Ebers Papyrus, which is one of the oldest medical texts in existence.
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Egyptian physicians used cupping to:
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Hippocrates, c. 460-370 BC.
\nKnown as the father of Western medicine, he described cupping benefits for:
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China, Han Dynasty, circa 168 BC
\nWhere cupping was recognized as a therapeutic tool linked to acupuncture meridians and early meridian theory in traditional Chinese medicine.
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Sub-Saharan Africa
\nWest African traditions combined with herbal medicine, massage, and bone-setting.
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Cupping was a common practice for treating:
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It was also believed to remove spiritual blockages and harmful energies.
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Fire Cupping
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Cupping Colors and What They Mean:
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According to TCM, cupping marks can tell us about what’s going on inside a person.
\nThe same treatment can look entirely different, depending on circulation, tissue response, and overall health.
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Cupping helps relax the nervous system by stimulating the skin and the underlying tissues, which activates the body’s natural healing responses.
\nWhen cups are placed on the skin, they create suction that increases blood flow and stimulates sensory nerves; this process triggers a calming effect on the nervous system.
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The suction also helps release tension in the muscles and connective tissue, improving overall circulation. Cupping helps reduce the body’s stress response, easing both physical and mental tension.
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Additionally, it can regulate the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
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