Many Olympic athletes in Rio, including American star swimmer Michael Phelps, have been seen at the 2016 Olympic Games sporting red circles all over their shoulders and backs. These mysterious dots have generated buzz from social media and major news outlets like BBC and CNN, and you may be wondering – what is that? The red spots on their skin are actually a result of an ancient Chinese medicinal therapy called “cupping.”
What is cupping?
Cupping therapy is a traditional Chinese Medicine treatment, which originated thousands of years ago in China. Since then, it has been practiced all over the world for variety of reasons. Cupping therapy consists of two different types of cupping – dry cupping (plastic cupping and glass cupping) and wet cupping.
Plastic cupping
Plastic cupping involves placing a dome-shaped plastic cups over the affected areas on the skin and creating a partial suction of the skin (like a vacuum) with a use of a suction gun (pump) to promote blood flow in the area and relieve discomfort. This type of cupping has its own advantages: plastic cups come in different sizes and can be used over the bone ridges and uneven skin surface. In addition, they create stronger suctions and there is more control over the skin.
Glass cupping or fire cupping
Fire cupping is a therapy in which a glass jar is placed on the skin to create a suction force or a negative pressure and pull the blood to the surface. We soak a cotton ball in alcohol with a forceps, ignite it and put into the cup, and immediately take it out and place the cup on the selected area on the skin. Cups in different sizes are used according to the cupping location. Generally, the areas where muscle is abundant and elastic, free from hair and bone ridges are selected.
Wet cupping or blood cupping
Blood cupping or Hijama involves pricking the affected skin areas with a small needle and placing a plastic cup over it to create suctions and draw the deoxygenated blood and toxins out. In my clinic, I use single-use cups for this purpose.
How is cupping done? Does cupping hurt?
Generally, cups are sucked in place for ten to twenty minutes. A sensation of warmth is felt under the skin during the treatment. This therapy is not painful. As a result of the suction, the skin forms dark-red, violet, bruise-like discoloration; something similar to pepperoni. The darker the skin becomes, the more tension in muscles are shown. This dark-red color generally disappears within three to five days.
Why are athletes and many other people using it?
Cupping therapy is very relaxing and it is similar to deep tissue massage. It triggers inflammatory response and speeds up muscular pain after injury and strain. It stimulates the fresh blood circulation in the affected areas and relieves pain. It warms the meridians, expels cold obstruction in the channels, treats joint pain, and detoxifies the body.
What are the benefits of cupping?
Cupping therapy has several benefits, including:
– Maintaining general well-being
– Relaxes muscles
– Detoxification
– Relieves pain, tension ad stiffness
– Relieves back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, knee pain, etc.
– Relieves anxiety, depression
– Relieves respiratory issues, cold, flu
– Helps with weight loss
– Boosts the immune system
– Relieves digestive issues
– Helps with migraines and headaches
– Fertility
– Boosting up energy
– High blood pressure, high cholesterol level
– Facial paralysis
Try Cupping Therapy
Dr. Zahra Mazanderani is experienced with providing cupping therapy. Book a consultation by calling 604-988-5698 and visit our acupuncture clinic in Downtown Vancouver to learn more.
