PULSE Rituals | Wellness, Balancing and Detox

Chinese Traditional Medicine - Cupping Therapy

Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. In this technique, a therapist places a special cup on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. Originally, practitioners used hollow animal horns to form cups, which were then boiled or heated to create a vacuum. Over time, they transitioned to bamboo or glass cups, still employing heat—either through fire or boiling—to generate the vacuum. Cupping is used to treat areas of skin affected by inflammation, abscesses, or thrombosis (blood clots).

Benefit of Cupping

• Stimulating blood circulation on the area of skin that gets cupping treatment.
• Improving the function of meridian points, nerve cells, and blood cells.
• Activating the function of White Blood Cells in terms of killing pathogens and bacteria.
• Some toxins will be released from the skin which forms as water drops inside the cup, other toxins will be excreted from the body through urine and stool. Cupping may remove toxins by stimulating the immune response, both locally and systemically. It may also eliminate uric acid, a natural waste product from the digestion of certain foods. Uric acid buildup can lead to high levels of acidity in the blood and urine. Cupping may also have a positive effect on the lymphatic system, which is partially responsible for eliminating your body’s waste. When the flow of lymph is interrupted, it can cause fluid buildup and prevent the body from properly eliminating toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage is one solution to this issue. Similarly, cupping may help increase the flow of lymph and prevent fluid buildup.
• Body organs have a regular blood supply, which balances bodily function.

This leads to a stronger immune system. The effects of cupping therapy resemble those of acupressure on the soles of the feet, activating nerve cells and enhancing blood circulation to vital organs. This therapy alleviates pain by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to affected areas, ultimately resulting in reduced discomfort.

Cupping Side Effects

A bruise occurs when small blood vessels are damaged or broken due to trauma to the skin, such as bumping into something or hitting yourself with a hammer. The raised area of a bump or bruise forms as blood leaks from these injured vessels into the surrounding tissues, along with the body’s response to the injury. Medically, a bruise is known as a contusion. A purplish, flat bruise that appears when blood seeps into the upper layers of the skin is called ecchymosis.

How Long Do Cupping Bruises Last?

Bruises from cupping can persist for a few days to two weeks. TCM practitioner Casco notes that with repeated cupping sessions over several weeks, the bruising is expected to diminish as stagnation resolves. This signifies a successful outcome of the cupping treatment protocol.

What To Do After Cupping or A Cupping Massage

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water aids in flushing your lymphatic system of the cellular waste released from your tissues during cupping.
• Keep Warm: Make sure to cover the areas where you had cupping done.
• Get Plenty of Rest: It’s normal to feel more fatigued than usual or to experience flu-like symptoms (such as headaches or body aches) after cupping. This is a temporary response from your immune system to the cellular waste released.
• Limit Intense Exercise: Avoid vigorous workouts following your session.

Who Should Avoid Cupping Therapy?

Cupping (both wet and dry) is not recommended for individuals with severe Yin deficiency (fluid deficiency), those suspected of any type of hemorrhage, and people with tumors of any kind, including tuberculosis. Additionally, cupping should be avoided for anyone who has experienced a cardiac arrest in the past six months.