Beyond The Hype: Can Suction Cups Relieve Pain?
Updated: May 22
Circular red marks on celebrity backs have sparked curiosity – are suction cups the next big thing in pain relief? Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, cupping therapy involves placing glass cups on the skin to create suction. But does this age-old practice hold weight in the modern world? In this article, we'll delve into the science behind cupping for pain relief, exploring their potential benefits and limitations to see if they're more than just a passing trend.
How Suction Cups Can Promote Healing And Pain Relief?
Cupping therapy might be trendy now, but it’s not new. It is an ancient form of alternative medicine. It has its roots in Traditional Chinese medicine and was also used by ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern cultures.
In our modern world, cupping therapy is very popular among professional athletes. If you have watched the Olympics over the last years, you may have noticed some athletes—including Michael Phelps—showing interesting bruising patterns caused by cupping therapy.
Those dark red spots dotting Olympians’ shoulders and backs are not cigar burns. They’re not perfectly circular hickeys, either.
How It Is Performed
This treatment involves applying round glass or plastic suction cups to sore parts of the body. The cup placement creates a partial vacuum that draws the skin and layers of muscle into the cup, stimulating muscles and blood flow while relieving pain.
The suction allows the breakup of muscle knots and bruising that are not visible. Besides, it helps to open pores and circulation, thus helping to clear lactic acid and toxins.
The cups may be kept still or gently moved across the skin to loosen restricted muscles, increase circulation, and remove toxins.
There are different kinds of cupping, including:
Wet cupping: Creating small cuts in the skin
Fire cupping: Using fire to heat the cup and create a vacuum before placing the cup onto the skin
Dry cupping is the safest option and very effective for muscular issues. The therapist puts special glass or high-quality plastic cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including helping with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, well-being, and a deep-tissue massage.
Are Suction Cups Painful?
A cupping therapy session may cause a little discomfort, similar to the intense feeling experienced when receiving a deep tissue massage to an area that has become restricted or sore.
What Are The Main Benefits Of Cupping Therapy?
Some studies suggest that it may be very beneficial for pain management programmes. This is especially true for conditions such as back pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps.
In clinical studies, patients with neck and shoulder pain experienced a 61% decrease in pain after receiving dry cupping therapy!
The effectiveness of suction cups may seem increased when combined with other therapy techniques such as Sports and Deep Tissue Massage. The lifting effect provided by the cups works synergistically with the downward pressure application of manual massage. It also works wonderfully in conjunction with Acupuncture.
Cupping massage may be beneficial for those suffering from acne and herpes zoster. In fact, it boosts circulation and clears toxins out of the body quickly and effectively. Cupping therapy may also be a great alternative treatment for people who are allergic to or tolerate anti-inflammatory drugs poorly. Relief from cupping therapy can be pretty quick, leaving you feeling looser and more energised.
According to the British Cupping Society, cupping therapy can help to treat conditions such as:
Blood disorders like anaemia, haemophilia, high blood pressure
Psychological problems such as anxiety and depression
Bronchial congestion due to asthma and allergies
Fertility and menstrual disorders such as PCOS
Arthritis and fibromyalgia
Migraines
Is Cupping Dangerous?
Suction cups are generally safe, but they aren’t for everyone. People who take blood thinners or corticosteroids, have thin, delicate skin, or have a bleeding disorder should choose another form of alternative treatment for pain relief, as cupping therapy may put them at risk of skin damage.
Cupping therapy's most common side effects are usually very mild, especially in the area where the cups touch your skin:
A little discomfort (similar to soreness after a deep tissue massage)
Cupping marks and bruises, which usually fade after two to four days
Skin infection, if the therapist doesn't sterilise the cups properly
What Shall You Do After A Cupping Therapy Session?
Try to follow these aftercare advice to avoid contra actions and get the best out of your treatment:
Keep the cupping marks covered for the first 24 hours, as the pores remain open after the session, and there is a greater chance of infection.
Avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours to not overload the system and help the liver and surface circulation to deal with toxins that were brought to the surface.
Drink plenty of water as this helps to flush toxins out of your body, enhancing the purifying effect of cupping therapy.
Book today your first appointment, and make acute and chronic pain a dim and distant memory with our super-effective cupping therapy in London!