Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine that was used in China, Egypt, the Middle East and Europe and is becoming increasingly popular. It is a technique in which cups made out of clay, glass or bamboo are suctioned onto the skin to create a negative pressure using a pumping or fire method. The two cupping techniques are wet and dry. Dry cupping is noninvasive and just pulls the skin into the cup. On the other hand, wet cupping is invasive and involves laceration of the skin so that blood is drawn into the cup. The therapist needs to practice sterility, handwashing, and wearing appropriate protective equipment such as gloves to prevent infections. The site where cups are placed depends on the condition being treated. A variety of conditions and illnesses such as headache, pain, muscular tension, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, and skin disorders have benefitted from cupping therapy. In a study done for pain management with wet cupping therapy, there was a 66% reduction in average headache severity and a decrease in headache occurrence of 12.6 days per month (Ahmadi). Contraindications for cupping therapy include cancer patients, patients with a pacemaker, organ failure, hemophilia or other blood disorders. The specific mechanism of action of cupping therapy is not well known but there are numerous theories on how it works. Some theories include an increase in endogenous opioid production in the brain, an enhancement of blood circulation to remove toxins in the body, an increase in immunity through activation of the immune system, etc. More studies need to be done in the future on cupping therapy to support its beneficial effects.
References
Ahmadi A, Schwebel DC, Rezaei M. The efficacy of wet-cupping in the treatment of tension and migraine headache. Am. J. Chin. Med. 2008;36(1):37-44
Al-Bedah AMN, Elsubai IS, Qureshi NA, et al. The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action. J Tradit Complement Med. 2018;9(2):90-97. Published 2018 Apr 30. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.03.003
Furhad S, Bokhari AA. Cupping Therapy. [Updated 2020 Feb 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538253/
Cupping and Message Therapy
Yu Feng Lin & Fawziya Twam
Cupping is an ancient form of alternative medicine which can be traced back to ancient Chinese, Egyptian and parts of the Middle East. Cupping is one of few techniques which can be found in The Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world. This would indicate that Egyptians were using the cupping technique from at least 1550 B.C. The use of this technique being ancient and still present today should show that cupping has many benefits and is proven to work. There are many reasons one may turn to cupping. Some reasons being to reduce inflammation and/or pain usually present in the back, neck or head. Other reasons being to increase blood flow. Some may get cupping for no reason other than to relax and receive a deep tissue massage.
Cupping is performed by a variety of healthcare providers. Training is required prior, but some of those who are eligible to receive training are acupuncturists, chiropractors, physical therapists, medical doctors and massage therapists. The way cupping works is through suction. Cups made of glass, ceramic, metal, silicone or bamboo are placed on to the skin. The cups may be placed on the back, stomach, arms or legs. To get the cups suctioned on pumping or a fire method is used. The use of suction is to draw blood either away or towards certain areas of the body. The force of the suction expands and even breaks tiny blood vessels in the body found under the skin. These tiny blood vessels are known as capillaries. This is what leaves behind bruising on the skin. Afterwards, the body will work on replenishing the damage done. Healthier blood flow takes place as the capillaries are repaired. The healing process after cupping is at a cellular level, basically renewing the capillaries.
The general idea of cupping is the same, but there are different ways to perform cupping. The steps may vary depending on the method chosen, so it is important for the one performing the technique to be knowledgeable and experienced. There are three main cupping methods; dry, running and bleeding. Dry cupping is a method which keeps the cups where they are placed. The skin is prepped and must be dry prior to starting. In ancient methods, and when performed traditionally, a cotton ball is soaked in alcohol and set aflame. It is placed within the cup prior to placing it on to the skin. The aflame cotton ball directs oxygen out of the cup. Since the cup is placed on to the skin, the air is now limited creating that suction desired. The suction will pull the skin into the cup. This is when bruising will start to occur as the capillaries start to expand and break. One change in the method over the years is the replacement of the aflame cotton ball for a suction device which removes the air instead. The next method, running, is very similar to the dry method. The difference is that the cups are meant to be moved around over the skin throughout the procedure. Instead of starting with dry skin, the skin is prepped and then covered in oil or a lotion. Once the cups are placed and suction is seen, the one performing the procedure will start to gently move the cups around. By moving them in different directions, more parts of the affected area will be relieved and it mimics a massage. Lastly, the bleeding method is also very similar to the dry method, but there is an additional step in comparison. Before placing the cups, a needle is used to puncture the skin. The reason for the puncture is to draw out any toxins in the blood through the suction of the cups. During the procedure, patients should not feel pain. It is common to experience tightness. After cupping, regardless of the technique used, it is expected to have red round marks, marking the placement of the cups. The bruise like marks will last up to 2 weeks before it starts to fade. The marks may be sore, but should not be painful or severely uncomfortable.
There can be many benefits to cupping as spoken about earlier. Benefits being a reduction in pain and inflammation, decreased muscle tightness, and improvement in blood flow and range of motion,. However, although risks are low, they are still present. Most commonly seen side effects are; bruising, fatigue, headache, nausea and muscle tension or soreness. It is important for the one performing the technique to be experienced, as an improper technique can lead to burns from the heated cups. With the bleeding method, skin infections may occur if not cared for properly. On rare occasions, vasovagal syncope may occur. This is when a person faints due to a drop in blood pressure and heart rate. This can be seen in patients who commonly faint during blood tests or other forms of needle stick.
References
WebMD. (n.d.). What is cupping therapy? uses, benefits, side effects, and more. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/balance/cupping-therapy
professional, C. C. medical. (n.d.). Cupping therapy: Does it really work?. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16554-cupping
Cupping and Message Therapy
Yu Feng Lin & Fawziya Twam
Cupping is an ancient form of alternative medicine which can be traced back to ancient Chinese, Egyptian and parts of the Middle East. Cupping is one of few techniques which can be found in The Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world. This would indicate that Egyptians were using the cupping technique from at least 1550 B.C. The use of this technique being ancient and still present today should show that cupping has many benefits and is proven to work. There are many reasons one may turn to cupping. Some reasons being to reduce inflammation and/or pain usually present in the back, neck or head. Other reasons being to increase blood flow. Some may get cupping for no reason other than to relax and receive a deep tissue massage.
Cupping is performed by a variety of healthcare providers. Training is required prior, but some of those who are eligible to receive training are acupuncturists, chiropractors, physical therapists, medical doctors and massage therapists. The way cupping works is through suction. Cups made of glass, ceramic, metal, silicone or bamboo are placed on to the skin. The cups may be placed on the back, stomach, arms or legs. To get the cups suctioned on pumping or a fire method is used. The use of suction is to draw blood either away or towards certain areas of the body. The force of the suction expands and even breaks tiny blood vessels in the body found under the skin. These tiny blood vessels are known as capillaries. This is what leaves behind bruising on the skin. Afterwards, the body will work on replenishing the damage done. Healthier blood flow takes place as the capillaries are repaired. The healing process after cupping is at a cellular level, basically renewing the capillaries.
The general idea of cupping is the same, but there are different ways to perform cupping. The steps may vary depending on the method chosen, so it is important for the one performing the technique to be knowledgeable and experienced. There are three main cupping methods; dry, running and bleeding. Dry cupping is a method which keeps the cups where they are placed. The skin is prepped and must be dry prior to starting. In ancient methods, and when performed traditionally, a cotton ball is soaked in alcohol and set aflame. It is placed within the cup prior to placing it on to the skin. The aflame cotton ball directs oxygen out of the cup. Since the cup is placed on to the skin, the air is now limited creating that suction desired. The suction will pull the skin into the cup. This is when bruising will start to occur as the capillaries start to expand and break. One change in the method over the years is the replacement of the aflame cotton ball for a suction device which removes the air instead. The next method, running, is very similar to the dry method. The difference is that the cups are meant to be moved around over the skin throughout the procedure. Instead of starting with dry skin, the skin is prepped and then covered in oil or a lotion. Once the cups are placed and suction is seen, the one performing the procedure will start to gently move the cups around. By moving them in different directions, more parts of the affected area will be relieved and it mimics a massage. Lastly, the bleeding method is also very similar to the dry method, but there is an additional step in comparison. Before placing the cups, a needle is used to puncture the skin. The reason for the puncture is to draw out any toxins in the blood through the suction of the cups. During the procedure, patients should not feel pain. It is common to experience tightness. After cupping, regardless of the technique used, it is expected to have red round marks, marking the placement of the cups. The bruise like marks will last up to 2 weeks before it starts to fade. The marks may be sore, but should not be painful or severely uncomfortable.
There can be many benefits to cupping as spoken about earlier. Benefits being a reduction in pain and inflammation, decreased muscle tightness, and improvement in blood flow and range of motion,. However, although risks are low, they are still present. Most commonly seen side effects are; bruising, fatigue, headache, nausea and muscle tension or soreness. It is important for the one performing the technique to be experienced, as an improper technique can lead to burns from the heated cups. With the bleeding method, skin infections may occur if not cared for properly. On rare occasions, vasovagal syncope may occur. This is when a person faints due to a drop in blood pressure and heart rate. This can be seen in patients who commonly faint during blood tests or other forms of needle stick.
References
WebMD. (n.d.). What is cupping therapy? uses, benefits, side effects, and more. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/balance/cupping-therapy
professional, C. C. medical. (n.d.). Cupping therapy: Does it really work?. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16554-cupping
CUPPING
Cupping is a form of alternative therapy that dates back to ancient civilizations of Egypt, Korea, China, and Greece. Cupping is an approximately short procedure, taking only 20 minutes, and consists of quick and strong strokes of the cup. There are two main methods of cupping therapy; wet and dry. In wet cupping, the person performing the cupping creates an incision into the skin and uses the cup to draw blood. The goal behind wet cupping is to mimic the actions of the kidney, filtering out the blood using high pressure filtration. Wet cupping, also known as hijama in the middle east, is used to increase blood flow, improved oxygen supply, and removal of toxins in the body. In addition, it increases the inflammatory response reaction and time when healing the incision. Dry cupping is preformed without any incision, just suctioning or vaccuming the skin with the cup. The cup can be placed in one spot or can be moved around the area. Two other cupping techniques includes oil cupping and flash cupping. The location of the cupping therapy occurs in areas that have plenty muscle and tissue. This includes the chest, back, abdomen, and buttocks. Sites that are small, hairy, and/or have little muscle tissue are not recommended for cupping.
The effects of cupping include pain reduction, increased blood circulation, immunomodulation effects, and hematological adjustments. the pain reduction mechanism is unknown, however, it is theorized to be a noxious stimuli. The pain from the cupping distracts the mind from the pain of the other parts of the body. Cupping releases nitric oxide from endothelial cells, causing vasodilation, which increases blood flow and volume. Its immunomodulation effects occurs due to the increase of interferons and tumor necrotizing factor. Another benefit of cupping is its blood detoxification effects. There is a decrease of uric acid, HDL, and LDL. There is, in return, an increase of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit while also decreasing the effects of diabetes on hemoglobin. Diseases and disorders that can benefit from cupping include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, infections, rheumatoid arthritis, and skin disorders, like acne and eczema. It can also treat headaches, knee pain, neck pain, and lower back pain. Conditions that should avoid cupping include geriatric patients, pediatric patients, pregnant and menstruating women, those being treated with anticoagulants due to bleeding risk, and have organ failure. There are no serious side effects associated with cupping. Preventable side effects include scarring, buns, anemia, pruritus, and skin infections. Side effects that cannot be prevented include nausea, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, and tiredness. Disinfecting the utensils and cleaning area after cupping is recommended to avoid infection post-cupping session. it is recommended to use disposable scalpels and cups to avoid infections.
As mentioned above, there are many health benefits of cupping therapy. However, cupping therapy is suggested as a complementary therapy, not as main treatment. Cupping has shown improvement in quality of life and is still used in many countries today.
Al-Bedah, Abdullah M N et al. “The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action.” Journal of traditional and complementary medicine vol. 9,2 90-97. 30 Apr. 2018, doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.03.003
Cupping Therapy - Statpearls - NCBI Bookshelf, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538253/. Accessed 16 Aug. 2023.
Cupping and Massage Therapy
Cupping therapy is an ancient technique of healing, part of numerous ancient healing systems such as, Chinese, Unani, Korean, Tibetan, and Oriental medicine. It is performed by applying cups to selected skin points and creating sub atmospheric pressure, either by heat or by suction. The main proposed mechanism of action of cupping is that the sub atmospheric pressure suction promotes peripheral blood circulation and improves immunity. Cupping is reported to promote skin blood flow, change the skins biochemical properties, increase pain thresholds, improve local anaerobic metabolism, reduce inflammation, and modulate the cellular immune system. Cupping therapy can be categorized into six categories. The first is ‘technical types’ which includes dry, wet, massage, and flash cupping. The second category is power of suction’ which includes light, medium, and strong cupping. The third category is ‘method of suction’ which includes fire, manual vacuum, and electrical vacuum cupping. The fourth category is ‘materials inside cups’ which includes herbal, water, moxa, needle, and magnetic cupping. The fifth category is ‘area treated’ which includes facial, abdominal, female, male. And orthopedic cupping. The sixth category is ‘other cupping types’ which includes sports, cosmetic, and aquatic cupping.
Cupping therapy has been used for health promotion, preventive and therapeutic purposes. It has reported benefits in the treatment of lower back, neck and shoulder pain, headache and migraines, facial paralysis, brachialgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma. In general, cupping is contraindicated directly on veins, arteries, nerves, skin inflammation, any skin lesions, body orifices, eyes, lymph nodes, or varicose veins. Cupping therapy is relatively safe and adverse effects are rare. Most adverse effects include scar formations and burns, but are followed by headache, pruritus, dizziness, tiredness, and muscle tension.
Massage therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects on varying conditions including prenatal depression, preterm infants, full-term infants, skin conditions, pain syndromes including arthritis and fibromyalgia, hypertension, autoimmune conditions including asthma and multiple sclerosis, immune conditions, and aging problems. Massage therapy has been found to have positive effects due to its stimulation of pressure receptors which enhances vagal activity and reduces cortisol levels. Massage therapy has grown significantly and has increased practice in medical settings.
References
Aboushanab, T. S., & AlSanad, S. (2018). Cupping Therapy: An Overview from a Modern Medicine Perspective. Journal of acupuncture and meridian studies, 11(3), 83–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2018.02.001
Field T. (2016). Massage therapy research review. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 24, 19–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.04.005
Cupping and Massage Therapy
Cupping is a technique used for healing that is performed by applying cups to skin and using heat or suction to create pressure to increase blood circulation. Cupping therapy is a historical treatment that was first mentioned in Eber’s papyrus in Ancient Egypt (Aboushanab, T. S., & AlSanad, S.). Along with the promotion of blood flow, cupping also increases the threshold for pain, improves local anaerobic metabolism, reduces inflammation, and changes the cellular immune system (Aboushanab, T. S., & AlSanad, S.). Some proposed mechanisms of cupping therapy include changes in the skin microenvironment that activate the neuroendocrine immune system. Cupping consists of dry and wet cupping. It can also be classified into technical types, the power of suction, the method of suction, any added therapy, and the condition and area being treated. Cups can be made out of plastic, glass, rubber, metal, silicone, ceramic, and bamboo.
Cupping therapy is indicated for health promotion as well as, preventative and therapeutic uses. It can be used for lower back pain, headaches, knee pain, shoulder and neck pain, hypertension, and diabetes. Cupping can not be used directly on blood vessels, nerves, skin lesions or lymph nodes. It should not be used in cancer patients, patients with organ failure, patients on anticoagulants, or pregnancy. Adverse events include scars or burns, headache, dizziness, hematoma or pain at the cupping site, and hyperpigmentation in the area. It's important to disinfect the skin before cupping therapy is performed to avoid infection. A meta-analysis displayed that there was a reduction in patients' pain intensity score for chronic back pain after using cupping therapy (Moura, C. C. et al.). Findings are limited and further studies need to be conducted.
Massage therapy has existed for centuries and has been used as a healing technique. The increase in the circulation of blood and lymph are believed to promote healing. Massage therapy can combine with aromatherapy by using essential oils along with massage oils. These oils may also have an effect medicinally. There are several techniques regarding strokes used during massage. Effleurage is stroking gently across the length of a muscle. Petrissage is applying pressure across the width of a muscle. Friction is a deep massage with circular motions usually with the thumbs or fingertips. Kneading involves squeezing across the width of a muscle. Hacking includes light slaps or karate chops on the skin (Vickers, A., & Zollman, C.). Massage therapy can be used to treat pain, reduce anxiety, and may have effects on sleep disorders. Studies have shown that massage reduces pain for many conditions including back pain during pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis. It has been reported that massage decreases salivary cortisol, heart rate, and diastolic blood pressure. Results have shown decreased pain in several areas on the body including the hands, knees, and back (Field T.).
Cupping and massage therapy are both treatments that can heal pain through manipulation of the skin from the exterior. They are successful in many types of pain and can be used along with pain relieving medications. There are some contraindications, but there are few adverse effects with these therapies.
Aboushanab, T. S., & AlSanad, S. (2018). Cupping Therapy: An Overview from a Modern Medicine Perspective. Journal of acupuncture and meridian studies, 11(3), 83–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2018.02.001
Field T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 20(4), 224–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.07.002
Moura, C. C., Chaves, É. C. L., Cardoso, A. C. L. R., Nogueira, D. A., Corrêa, H. P., & Chianca, T. C. M. (2018). Cupping therapy and chronic back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. Revista latino-americana de enfermagem, 26, e3094. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.2888.3094
Vickers, A., & Zollman, C. (1999). ABC of complementary medicine. Massage therapies. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 319(7219), 1254–1257. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.319.7219.1254
Gua Sha
Gua sha or skin scraping, scraping therapy or coin rubbing, is a traditional healing technique that is widely practiced in Chinese medicine. Gua sha aims to create petechiae on the skin for a therapeutic benefit. Literally, gua means scratching of the skin, and sha refers to the petechiae/stagnant blood and texture that appears after scratching. At first, gua sha was used for nuchal pain, shoulder tension, myalgia, chronic pain, common cold, heatstroke and respiratory problems. According to Chinese medicine, qi or energy must be able to flow throughout the body, but when qi becomes stagnant in some areas, health problems can occur. With gua sha, it is possible to scrape areas of the body with stagnant qi or inflammation to improve circulation and promote healing. Gua sha is usually done in a clinic or with an acupuncturist, but as of recent, many are trying gua sha at home.
On the body, gua sha is used to destress or to increase blood flow, relieve pain or tension. Most people get gua sha on their back, neck, arms and legs. The gua sha tool needs to be able to glide onto the skin, therefore applying an oil or balm is a must. Then, the points of the gua sha tool can be used to apply pressure in small circular motions on the muscles or around the joints. Or the gua sha tool could be moved in firm even strokes across the muscles. Gua shas are generally gentle, but the intensity can build up depending on the knots on the body. The petechiae fades and completely resolves within 2-5 days. Gua shas are also often done along with other treatments such as herbal medicine, massage, acupuncture and heat therapy.
Later on, the skincare benefits for gua sha were discovered. Gua sha for the face is much more gentle and will not leave petechiae on the skin. Gua sha facials can be done in the morning or at night to reduce puffiness and inflammation and boost lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. Some may prefer the mornings to help depuff the face, while others incorporate into their night time self-care routine. Nonetheless, it is important to prep the skin before starting the gua sha facial. The skin needs to have enough oil or cream to allow for the gua sha tool to glide onto the skin, instead of dragging on the skin. Techniques may vary, but the rule of thumb for the face is to use long strokes from inner to outer and upwards, while the neck is to go downwards.
Gua sha tools are smooth-edged instruments that come in many different materials from jade to rose quartz to stainless steel and many more. Jade is the most common stone used in gua sha tools because it is a naturally cool gemstone that is soothing on the skin. Rose quartz is used due to its calming properties, and is good for sensitive skin. Stainless steel is great for puffy skin. They all work the same, so it just comes down to personal preference.
References:
1. Chen T, Liu N, Liu J, et al. Gua Sha, a press-stroke treatment of the skin, boosts the immune response to intradermal vaccination. PeerJ. 2016;4:e2451. Published 2016 Sep 14. doi:10.7717/peerj.2451
2. Chu ECP, Wong AYL, Sim P, Krüger F. Exploring scraping therapy: Contemporary views on an ancient healing - A review. J Family Med Prim Care. 2021;10(8):2757-2762. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_360_21
3. Fearn, Rebecca. “6 Of the Best Materials to Look for in a Gua Sha Tool.” Bustle, Bustle, 20 May 2021, https://www.bustle.com/style/gua-sha-tool-materials-tips-techniques.
4. Fenneld. “Why Gua Sha Is Good for You.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 12 Aug. 2021, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-gua-sha-might-be-good-for-you/.
Massage Therapy:
Written by: Hillary Pham and Jae Chang
Massage is the method of rubbing and manipulating the soft tissues of the human body to bring overall health improvements. These improvements can include relaxation, sleep, and relief of the body’s aches and pain. Through the massaging technique, it helps to loosen the firm joints as well as helps to improve the blood flow of the body. Massages are well loved by many as it allows for a sensation of calmness and zen during the treatment. Researchers do believe that the massage treatment could also help to promote good health for an individual as it improves the circulation of the blood, lymph, and muscle throughout the entire body. Another health benefit that clinical researchers have found is that it can also help to reduce anxiety since it can promote calmness and tranquility.
During a massage treatment there are different ways and various techniques that can be done to the body. The most common is known as effleurage, which allows the practitioners to do gentle stroke-like movements along the muscle. Or another common one is known as petrissage, which is applying pressure against the entirety of the muscle. Moreover, friction is another favorite among patients as it is a deep massage done with only circular motions. This helps to remove knots and tangles in the muscle of the body, leaving an ease to the body. Furthermore, aromatherapy can typically be added into any of these methods. These are oils derived from plants, also known as essential oils. It helps to act as a lubricant during the treatment for smooth and easy transitions. Typically, the essential oils are used for their scent and aroma, but the oils can also act as a medicinal agent that promotes wound healing, infection, blood circulation, and digestion.
A massage treatment can typically be done anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. At this time, patients are ideally undressed laying on a massage table. In this space where the patient lays, it is quiet, zen, and very peaceful. Practitioners will typically treat the whole body with the oil, as mentioned. Additionally, other techniques may be done as well, if necessary for a patient's various health reasons.
When therapeutic massage is performed on soft tissues, it provides generalized improvements in health including relaxation, sleep, and physical pain relief. Massages have been commonly used to treat lower back pain. In Eastern cultures, massage is believed to have analgesic effects and a systemic review of six different countries have shown that older adults visited massage therapies the most in a year. The theory behind soft-tissue massage therapy is that by symptom relief of pain by physical and mental relaxation, endorphin release is stimulated, thus promoting improved physiological and clinical outcomes. Another theory called the gate-control theory suggests that massaging a particular area can stimulate large diameter nerve fibers. These fibers have an inhibitory input onto T-cells, causing reduced T-cell activity and pain relief. Other theories suggest that massaging may shift the autonomic system from sympathetic response to parasympathetic response. Unfortunately, this theory is not universally accepted, and some claim that massaging promotes symptomatic response from the autonomic nervous system. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to clearly understand the mechanism behind massage therapy.
While massage is generally seen as a safe form of treatment or therapy, there are few contraindications associated with it. The contraindications include massaging over an area with acute inflammation, skin infection, fractures, burn areas, deep vein thrombosis, or sites with active cancer tumor. A common side effect associated with massage therapy is minor pain or discomfort at the site of massage.
There have been investigations to see the beneficial effects of massage therapy in pain managements in relieving headaches, post-exercise muscle pain, cancer pain and mechanical neck pain. Unfortunately, these studies demonstrated that massaging has little to no effect in providing relief in these conditions. However, Moyer stated in his meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials which analyzed the effect of massage therapy on different health conditions that in general, massage therapy was, in fact, beneficial in relieving the health conditions.
Massage is a very popular form of therapy that is performed globally. Massage therapy has been suggested to have health benefits, ranging from providing relaxation to pain relief. It is generally safe with very few contraindications as massaging only involves the rubbing and manipulating of the soft tissues. Although it is unclear due to lack of scientific evidence that massaging provides health benefits, massaging is nonetheless a great form of therapy for those with minor bodily aches and those who seek mental and physical relaxation.
References:
Vickers, A., & Zollman, C. (1999). Massage therapies. Bmj, 319(7219), 1254-1257.
Furlan AD, Giraldo M, Baskwill A, Irvin E, Imamura M. Massage for low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Sep 1;(9):CD001929. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001929.pub3. PMID: 26329399.
Moyer CA, Rounds J, Hannum JW. A meta‐analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin 2004;130(1):3‐18.
Cupping
Written by: Hillary Pham and Jae Chang
Cupping is an alternative medicine that is part of many ancient healing therapies in China, Unani, Korean, Tibet, and Oriental medicine. However, the first introduction of cupping was found as early as 1550 BC in Eber’s papyrus from Ancient Egypt. It was even described by the Greek physician Hippocrates who complied descriptions of cupping therapy which included cups with narrow opening with long handle to treat deep accumulated fluids and cups with wider opening to treat the spread of pain. It is commonly done for the purpose of health and welfare. Essentially, cupping allows for a suction in a local area of the body’s skin used with heated cups. By doing so, the method of cupping allows for an increase in the blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This will ultimately allow for a relief in muscle tension. Thus, with an improvement in the blood flow, cells can repair themselves much more rapidly and effectively.
There are many different kinds and techniques of which cupping can be done. For instance, there is heated cupping, rubber cupping, and even pump cupping. So, what is the difference between these unique techniques of cupping? In the process of heated cupping, a flame is placed inside the space of the empty cup in order to consume the oxygen. The cup then is quickly applied to an area on the body, which creates a tight, sealed vacuum of the cup on to the body. In other methods, like the pump cupping, the cup will need a pump that helps to remove the air out of the cup once placed on the body’s skin. This is more favorable for some patients as it allows for more control over the amount of suction that is generally preferred. This allows for more areas of the body to be exposed to cupping as the control of the cupping is very flexible. Regardless of what method the cupping is done with for the patient, the cupping technique is still very effective in improving an individual’s overall health. It is proposed that the use of cupping therapy has been reported to improve immunity, increase pain thresholds, improve local anaerobic metabolism, reduce inflammation, and modulate the cellular immune system.
Although many studies have been done to identify the mechanism of action of cupping, none of them have been able to clearly identify the exact mechanism. Guo and colleagues states that cupping and acupuncture had the same mechanisms and suggested the immunemodulation theory which explains that cupping changes the microenvironment via skin stimulation and causes a change in biological signals, which activates neuroendocrine immune system. According to the genetic theory described by Shaban and Rarvalia, by partially depriving the skin of oxygen and causing sub atmospheric pressure on the skin, cupping produces physiological and mechanical signals that activates or inhibits gene expression. Wet cupping therapy involves activation of wound healing and gene expression by superficial scarring.
Studies done by Cao et. al gathered numerous, different systematic literature reviews based on randomized, controlled trials of cupping therapy. Cao found that cupping therapy was typically used on diseases like herpes zoster, Bell palsy, dyspnea, and herniation. Furthermore, when all the results were gathered, the researchers concluded that cupping therapy was more superior than any other traditional Chinese medicine, due to the increase in the number of cured patients with the various diseases stated. Even more, there were no serious side effects that were reported with this cupping therapy method.
In general, the contraindications of cupping therapy are classified as either absolute or relative contraindications. For example, those with cancer and any organ failures are absolutely contraindicated for cupping unless the professional has enough evidence for safety when this procedure is given. Cupping is also absolutely contraindicated in those with hemophilia or those using pacemakers. For relative contraindications, it includes pregnancy, use of anticoagulants, severe chronic disease, medical emergencies, patient’s refusal, and much more. Furthermore, while cupping is generally safe, there are some adverse effects that may occur with the procedure. Some of these include muscle tension, pruritus, hematoma, abscess formation, skin infection and hyperpigmentation.
Cupping therapy is a generally safe procedure that has been practiced for thousands of years. Although the mechanism of action is not clear, there have been studies performed to find clinical evidence behind how cupping treats diseases and what diseases it can treat. For the most part, cupping is a great way to relieve muscle tension or muscle pain. Because cupping therapies have contraindications as well, healthcare professionals must properly assess and understand their patients before recommending cupping therapy.
References:
Cao, H., Li, X., & Liu, J. (2012). An updated review of the efficacy of cupping therapy. PloS one, 7(2), e31793.
Y. Guo, B. Chen, D.Q. Wang, M.Y. Li, C.H. Lim, Y. Guo, et al. Cupping regulates local immunomodulation to activate neural-endocrine-immune worknet Complement Ther Clin Pract, 28 (2017 Aug 31), pp. 1-3
T. Shaban, M. Ravalia Genetic theory–a suggested cupping therapy mechanism of action F1000Res, 6 (2017 Sep 14) Online: https://f1000research.com/slides/6-1684
Aboushanab TS, AlSanad S. Cupping Therapy: An Overview from a Modern Medicine Perspective. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2018 Jun;11(3):83-87. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2018.02.001. Epub 2018 Feb 7. PMID: 29436369.
Cupping
Written by: Hillary Pham and Jae Chang
Cupping is an alternative medicine that is part of many ancient healing therapies in China, Unani, Korean, Tibet, and Oriental medicine. However, the first introduction of cupping was found as early as 1550 BC in Eber’s papyrus from Ancient Egypt. It was even described by the Greek physician Hippocrates who complied descriptions of cupping therapy which included cups with narrow opening with long handle to treat deep accumulated fluids and cups with wider opening to treat the spread of pain. It is commonly done for the purpose of health and welfare. Essentially, cupping allows for a suction in a local area of the body’s skin used with heated cups. By doing so, the method of cupping allows for an increase in the blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This will ultimately allow for a relief in muscle tension. Thus, with an improvement in the blood flow, cells can repair themselves much more rapidly and effectively.
There are many different kinds and techniques of which cupping can be done. For instance, there is heated cupping, rubber cupping, and even pump cupping. So, what is the difference between these unique techniques of cupping? In the process of heated cupping, a flame is placed inside the space of the empty cup in order to consume the oxygen. The cup then is quickly applied to an area on the body, which creates a tight, sealed vacuum of the cup on to the body. In other methods, like the pump cupping, the cup will need a pump that helps to remove the air out of the cup once placed on the body’s skin. This is more favorable for some patients as it allows for more control over the amount of suction that is generally preferred. This allows for more areas of the body to be exposed to cupping as the control of the cupping is very flexible. Regardless of what method the cupping is done with for the patient, the cupping technique is still very effective in improving an individual’s overall health. It is proposed that the use of cupping therapy has been reported to improve immunity, increase pain thresholds, improve local anaerobic metabolism, reduce inflammation, and modulate the cellular immune system.
Although many studies have been done to identify the mechanism of action of cupping, none of them have been able to clearly identify the exact mechanism. Guo and colleagues states that cupping and acupuncture had the same mechanisms and suggested the immunemodulation theory which explains that cupping changes the microenvironment via skin stimulation and causes a change in biological signals, which activates neuroendocrine immune system. According to the genetic theory described by Shaban and Rarvalia, by partially depriving the skin of oxygen and causing sub atmospheric pressure on the skin, cupping produces physiological and mechanical signals that activates or inhibits gene expression. Wet cupping therapy involves activation of wound healing and gene expression by superficial scarring.
Studies done by Cao et. al gathered numerous, different systematic literature reviews based on randomized, controlled trials of cupping therapy. Cao found that cupping therapy was typically used on diseases like herpes zoster, Bell palsy, dyspnea, and herniation. Furthermore, when all the results were gathered, the researchers concluded that cupping therapy was more superior than any other traditional Chinese medicine, due to the increase in the number of cured patients with the various diseases stated. Even more, there were no serious side effects that were reported with this cupping therapy method.
In general, the contraindications of cupping therapy are classified as either absolute or relative contraindications. For example, those with cancer and any organ failures are absolutely contraindicated for cupping unless the professional has enough evidence for safety when this procedure is given. Cupping is also absolutely contraindicated in those with hemophilia or those using pacemakers. For relative contraindications, it includes pregnancy, use of anticoagulants, severe chronic disease, medical emergencies, patient’s refusal, and much more. Furthermore, while cupping is generally safe, there are some adverse effects that may occur with the procedure. Some of these include muscle tension, pruritus, hematoma, abscess formation, skin infection and hyperpigmentation.
Cupping therapy is a generally safe procedure that has been practiced for thousands of years. Although the mechanism of action is not clear, there have been studies performed to find clinical evidence behind how cupping treats diseases and what diseases it can treat. For the most part, cupping is a great way to relieve muscle tension or muscle pain. Because cupping therapies have contraindications as well, healthcare professionals must properly assess and understand their patients before recommending cupping therapy.
References:
Cao, H., Li, X., & Liu, J. (2012). An updated review of the efficacy of cupping therapy. PloS one, 7(2), e31793.
Y. Guo, B. Chen, D.Q. Wang, M.Y. Li, C.H. Lim, Y. Guo, et al. Cupping regulates local immunomodulation to activate neural-endocrine-immune worknet Complement Ther Clin Pract, 28 (2017 Aug 31), pp. 1-3
T. Shaban, M. Ravalia Genetic theory–a suggested cupping therapy mechanism of action F1000Res, 6 (2017 Sep 14) Online: https://f1000research.com/slides/6-1684
Aboushanab TS, AlSanad S. Cupping Therapy: An Overview from a Modern Medicine Perspective. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2018 Jun;11(3):83-87. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2018.02.001. Epub 2018 Feb 7. PMID: 29436369.
Massage
Written by Jerry Lau and Tommy Li
It's Friday night and your body is already exhausted. You think of laying down and having long hours of sleep. The second day you wake up, and the stress and tension is still there. This goes on for a week and you are at your wit’s end. What can you do at this point? A friend recommends that you try a massage. You go to a trendy spa or massage parlor downtown and you are given the option of choosing to lie on a massage table, sit in a massage chair, or lay on a mat on the floor. You hesitantly choose a massage table and the masseuse gets to work, all your stress and muscle tensions gradually melt away.
So what is a massage? The art of massaging is an ancient practice that uses unique techniques to use hands to manipulate the body's soft tissues. The masseuse can also use his or her hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, feet, or a specifically designed device to aim at the correct target spot and apply the right amount of strength onto the spot. Massage has been favored because of its traditional treatment for body's stress. The history of massage can be traced from ancient China, Egypt, Europe, and many other civilizations around the world.
There are many types and styles of massages in the world. Acupressure is one of these types. It is a technique similar to acupuncture and is based on the life energy concept. The massager will apply physical pressure to your body points to clear blockage in your meridians. Some evidence from studies suggest that acupressure may be effective at helping aches, nausea, and vomiting.
Another type of massage that is different from acupressure, aquatic bodywork exists. It is a type of massage that is performed in the water. Patients will be massaged on the land and then be placed into water pools to continue their therapy. Other massage forms include traditional Chinese massages such as Tui Na An Mo, which focuses on pushing and grasping soft body tissues; the Thai massage, which works the entire body using a sequence of movements that are similar to yoga stretching; the Swedish massage, which uses five styles of strokes - effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber or with the fibers) and vibration/shaking. Researchers have found that a sixty minute , whole body Swedish massage, once weekly for eight weeks, is safe and efficacious at reducing pain and increasing function in adults with knee osteoarthritis (1).
Massages are not only just for adults too, but also can benefit children and infants. In fact, a study published by the Journal of Nursing for Women’s Health states that there is evidence that infant massages had a multitude of beneficial effects (2). These effects include shorter length of stay, reduced pain, improved weight gain, feeding tolerance, and neurodevelopment. Nurses can obtain education and certification in these massage techniques and can teach parents these techniques too. Massages are beneficial and deserve to be recognized as a viable non pharmacological therapy for specific conditions backed by research.
References:
Perlman, A., Fogerite, S.G., Glass, O. et al. Efficacy and Safety of Massage for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: a Randomized Clinical Trial. J GEN INTERN MED 34, 379–386 (2019).
Pados BF, McGlothen-Bell K. Benefits of Infant Massage for Infants and Parents in the NICU. Nurs Womens Health. 2019;23(3):265-271.
Cupping is a type of therapy that is used in over sixty countries to treat a broad spectrum of conditions such as headaches, migraines, musculoskeletal (such as back and neck) pain, infections (by improving our body’s immune function), insect bites, hypertension, respiratory conditions, skin diseases (such as acne and hives), digestive problems (by lowering our body’s cholesterol), and even infertility. In the early 1900’s, Dr. William Osler, considered the Father of Modern Medicine and one of the founders of Johns Hopkins Hospital, recommended cupping for bronchopneumonia and acute myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord). Cupping became popularized primarily due to mainstream culture when famous celebrities and athletes such as the Olympian Michael Phelps had been seen with “cupping” marks throughout his body during the Olympic swimming matches and claimed that it helped relieve his tension.
The mechanism of action of cupping has been hypothesized in several different ways. Skin is well vascularized (indicating that our skin has an extensive network of blood vessels including arteries, capillaries, and veins, in other words, a rich blood supply), and the applied suction in cupping has increases circulation by dilating capillaries and then causing them to rupture which causes the circular bruises that clearly indicate cupping. This is done in order to promote lymphatic (an integral part of our body’s immune system) circulation. In addition to this, cupping also exerts a positive effect in order to regulate the immune system and to control inflammatory processes.
In 2015, the National Institute of Health (NIH) stated that “cupping could be effective in treating the pain and disability associated with chronic neck pain and chronic low-back pain in the short term.” This institute had determined through meta-analysis of multiple studies. In one of these studies, 70 patients who were suffering from tension and migraine headaches, the application of wet-cupping improved 95% of the cases by reducing the severity of the headaches by roughly 66%, and the patients experienced the equivalent of 12.6 fewer days of headache per month. With these conclusive results , it is clear that cupping is a very safe and powerful non-pharmacological approach that can be classified as a type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
As mentioned before, wet-cupping is an example of a type of cupping that removes a person’s blood from the skin by making small cuts in the skin. In comparison, dry-cupping is when a suction is placed directly onto a person’s skin for several minutes and this can be in conjunction with acupuncture, massage, or other methods of CAM. Both methods of cupping are supposed to draw fluid into that suction area. The distinctive circular marks of red-purple discoloration are due to broken blood vessels directly beneath the skin, similar to the results of bruises. This may lead many including myself to wonder- is cupping safe? Most experts agree that cupping actually is safe. This is contingent on the fact that those treated do not mind the clearly physical circular discolorations (which do fade over a number of days or 2-3 weeks maximum), the side effects tend to be minimal and limited to the pinch experienced during the actual skin suction.
References-
What exactly is cupping? Harvard Health Publishing- Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-exactly-is-cupping-2016093010402
The Science of Cupping. National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). https://www.nccaom.org/science-of-cupping/
Cupping and Massage Therapy
Although cupping is an ancient practice of Eastern medicine, recently, it has reemerged with increasing popularity in the Western world. There are a couple of ways in which cupping provides therapeutic relief on the muscles in the body. First, cupping increases systemic relaxation and results in an increase in endogenous opioid production in the brain, improving pain control. Second, cupping enhances blood circulation to remove toxins and waste from the body through improving microcirculation, promoting capillary endothelial cell repair, and accelerating granulation and angiogenesis in the regional tissues. Therefore, cupping increases red blood cells, loosens adhesions, and revitalizes connective tissue. Moreover, cupping plays a role in the activation of the compliment system as well as a modulation of cellular part of the immune system. Overall, cupping is reported to effect changes in the biomedical properties of the skin, increase immediate pain thresholds in patients with neck pain, reduce significantly peripheral and local p substance, reducing the inflammation. Some studies suggest that cupping may be effective for many other health benefits including lowering LDL in men and a preventative treatment for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Cupping appears to be effective for herpes zoster and associated pain and acne. Wet cupping in conjunction with conventional treatment is reported to effectively treat oral and genitalia ulceration in patient with Bechet disease (a rare disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout the body). Additionally, cupping therapy is effective in reducing systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients for up to 4 weeks.
Regarding the exact mechanisms, there are numerous theories. The theories of how cupping reduces pain is linked to the “Pain Gate Theory” (PGT) and “Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls” (DNICs). First, PGT proposed that both thin and large (touch, pressure, vibration) nerve fibers carry the pain signal from the site of injury to two destinations in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord however, transmission cells carry the pain signal to the brain while the inhibitory interneurons impede transmission cell activity. The activity in both thin and large diameter fibers excites transmission cells. Thin fiber activity impedes the inhibitory cells (tending to allow the transmission cell) and large diameter fiber activity excites the inhibitory cells (tending to inhibit transmission cell activity). Ultimately, the larger fiber activity, the less pain is felt. Cupping may also alleviate pain by anti-nociceptive effects and counter irritation, but limited studies have been done. Second, DNIC revolves around the inhibition of active of side dynamic range type nociceptive spinal neurons triggered by a secondary noxious stimulus. This phenomenon also encompasses the principle of counter irritation; one pain masks another. Local irritation of the skin and capillary vessels resulting in cupping cause a nociceptive stimulus that activates DNICs. Additionally, cupping produces an analgesic affect via nerves that are sensitive to mechanical stimulation (similar MOA to acupuncture in activating A and C fibers which are linked to DNICs system.
In a systematic review for Low back pain, six randomized controlled trials were included. The results showed that cupping therapy was superior to the control management with respect to VAS scores (SMD: -0.73, [95% CI: -1.42 to -0.04]; P= 0.04), and ODI scores (SMD: -3.64, [95% CI: -5.85 to -1.42]; P= 0.001). There was no serious adverse event reporeed in these studies.
In conclusion, cupping is performed by several individual techniques which are then responsible for certain changes in the cells, tissues, and organs to promote better circulation and reduce pain. Although there are many theories about the MOA, not a single theory is responsible for the benefits, instead a culmination of theories is needed to fully explain the activation of the immune system. More research needs to be conducted to fully understand all the benefits cupping encompasses.
References:
Al-Bedah AMN, Elsubai IS, Qureshi NA, et al. The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action. J Tradit Complement Med. 2018;9(2):90-97. Published 2018 Apr 30. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.03.003
Aboushanab TS, AlSanad S. Cupping Therapy: An Overview from a Modern Medicine Perspective. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2018;11(3):83-87. doi:10.1016/j.jams.2018.02.001
Wang YT, Qi Y, Tang FY, et al. The effect of cupping therapy for low back pain: A meta-analysis based on existing randomized controlled trials. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2017;30(6):1187-1195. doi:10.3233/BMR-169736
Cupping therapy is an ancient technique of healing dating all the way back to 1550 BC in Ancient Egypt. The therapy became extremely popular after the Michael Phelps’s first Olympic appearance in the summer of 2016 where the aftereffects of his cupping therapy were visible. This type of therapy is part of several healing systems to promote healing by creating subatmospheric pressure by either heat or suction to promote peripheral blood circulation and improving immunity. The effects of cupping therapy include promotion of the skin’s blood flow, changing of the skin’s biochemical properties, increasing pain thresholds, improving local anaerobic metabolism, and reducing inflammation.
Many suggest that cupping and acupuncture have the same mechanism of action. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, it is thought that the increased blood circulation helps to improve injury or pain. The use of skin stimulation, the neuroendocrine immune system is activated. Over the years, there have been many classifications of cupping. It is now settled on six categories that include- technical types, power of suction, method of suction, materials inside the cups, area treated, and other cupping types. Dry cupping is when a cup is applied to the skin for several minutes. Wet cupping is a much similar process, except the blood is removed at the end of the therapy by making small cuts in the skin. After a patient receives cupping therapy, there is discoloration where the cup was located on the patient’s skin due to broken blood vessels- very similar to a bruise. This is what fans saw on Michael Phelps’s back during the Olympics.
Cupping therapy can be used to promote health as preventative or therapeutic responses. Cupping therapy has shown benefits in both localized as well as systemic diseases- some may include treatment of lower back pain, shoulder and neck pain, headache and migraine, knee pain, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis.
Although this type of therapy dates back to 1550 BC, it is still being studied today. Researchers have a list of contraindications with cupping therapy for the safety and wellbeing of patients. Contraindications include- skin lesions, open wounds, bone fractures, sites of deep vein thrombosis, in cancer patients, and patients with organ failure, in patients with a pacemaker and those suffering from hemophilia. Side effects of cupping therapy include scar formation followed by burns, as well as headache pruritus, dizziness, and pain at cupping site.
In a systematic review and meta-analysis, 16 studies were included in the qualitative analysis and 10 studies were included in the quantitative analysis to look at the effects of cupping therapy of chronic back pain. The most evaluated outcomes of the studies were pain intensity, physical disability, quality of life, and nociceptive threshold before pressure by means of an algometer. From the meta-analysis, the results showed that cupping therapy was more effective in reducing pain compared to the control group. A protocol for location of acupoints needs to be validated in future studies to standardize and optimize care of patients.
References:
Aboushanab TS, AlSanad S. Cupping Therapy: An Overview from a Modern Medicine Perspective. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2018;11(3):83-87. doi:10.1016/j.jams.2018.02.001
Basavaraddi IV. MEA: Statements : In Focus Articles. Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. https://mea.gov.in/in-focus-article.htm?25096/Yoga Its Origin History and Development. Published April 23, 2015. Accessed January 19, 2021.
Moura CC, Chaves ÉCL, Cardoso ACLR, Nogueira DA, Corrêa HP, Chianca TCM. Cupping therapy and chronic back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2018;26:e3094. Published 2018 Nov 14. doi:10.1590/1518-8345.2888.3094
Cupping massage therapy is an ancient practice in traditional Chinese medicine that has been shown by Western researchers to have some health benefits. In ancient Chinese therapy, cupping was used to remove stagnation and stimulate the flow of Qi. Qi is the free flow of vital energy circulating throughout the body and the world around us. If the Qi in the body is disrupted or disturbed, it can create the blockage or the imbalance of chemicals and energy flow in the body. Therapeutic cupping treatments involve warming and placing cups usually made out of glass on the skin. A vacuum is created between the cup and skin usually by warming the air within the cup. When it is applied to the skin, the tissue is drawn up into the cup and this increases blood flow, loosens the connective tissue, and is thought to stimulate healing in the skin tissue of the body. In many ways, cupping massage therapy is similar to a deep tissue massage which could be used to reduce pain and break up scar tissue. Cupping massage therapy is mainly focused on the back, neck, shoulders, or site of pain on the person’s body. It may cause temporary bruising or soreness, but it can have some long-term beneficial therapeutic effects that should be considered.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the bruising and soreness that happens from cupping massage therapy is a favorable outcome because it removes some of the toxins that the body has. Cupping massage therapy involves stimulating the circulation of Qi and allowing circulation of blood flow in the area being treated. This resolves swelling, pain, and tension that may be causing the patient pain. From a Western physiological perspective, cupping therapy loosens connective tissue and stimulates blood flow to the surface. This causes better cell to cell communication that can decrease markers of inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines or chemical messengers in the body are reduced, and cytokines that promote healing and relaxation are increased after the cupping therapy session. The benefits of cupping massage therapy include local pain relief and muscle relaxation, as well as improvement in overall health by removing the energy blockages that Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners see as barriers to the flow of healthy energy in the body. Many trained athletes use cupping massage therapy because it increases blood flow to a particular muscle region, will relax tissue, and reduce pain. Many athletes from the 2016 Rio Olympics used cupping therapy and were easily identified by the circular markings on their body.
Traditionally, cupping therapy was known to treat lung conditions such as cough, asthma, or bronchial congestion. It was also traditionally used to treat paralysis, pain or digestive complaints. Researchers have mainly studied the benefits of cupping massage therapy in China, and they found that it also helped relieve conditions such as anxiety, depression, and symptoms of fibromyalgia. There are some potential side effects of cupping massage therapy that include leaving marks on the skin and causing some discomfort to the patient receiving the treatment that should be noted.
Cao, Huijuan et al. “An updated review of the efficacy of cupping therapy.” PloS one vol. 7,2 (2012): e31793. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0031793
Zanier, Emiliano, and Bruno Bordoni. “A multidisciplinary approach to scars: a narrative review.” Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare vol. 8 359-63. 12 Aug. 2015, doi:10.2147/JMDH.S87845
Chronic back pain causes physical stress and as a result, the use of medications are usually needed. The search for non-pharmacological options results in an increasing use of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cupping therapy is one of the recommended therapies for pain reduction. It involves the application of cups of different materials in a specific part of the body by means of heat or vacuum. Cupping therapy has been practiced for thousands of years. Cupping has multiple therapeutic functions which include warming the area to remove cold, promoting blood circulation to that specific area, relieving swelling, accelerating healing, increasing body temperature, and alleviating chronic neck, shoulder, and lower back pain. The first study we are looking at was a single-blind experimental design. The study recruited a total of sixty-two participants. Skin surface temperature and pain intensity was analyzed after the cupping session was concluded. The skin surface temperature increased to a peak of 32.8 ± 0.5°C at 5 minutes after cupping. This temperature is significantly higher than the baseline (30.7 ± 0.5°C) (P < 0.01). Shoulder pain intensity was 8.5 ± 0.9 for the cupping group at the baseline and 8.5 ± 0.9 in the control group. The post-treatment shoulder pain intensity decreased by 5.9 in the cupping group and decreased by 0.6 in the control group.
The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). From this study we can see that cupping therapy can cause effective vasodilation and stimulate blood circulation to increase metabolism and accelerate the elimination of waste and toxins from the body. While this study does have its merits, it also has its flaws. One of which is the low sample size which can limit the generalizability this study can have on the population. In addition, this was only a single blinded study which can introduce some sort of bias into the study. Overall, these two studies do show that cupping therapy is effective in relieving pain and also increasing vasodilation in patients who prefer a non-pharmacological option to treating their pain.
References
Chi LM, Lin LM, Chen CL, Wang SF, Lai HL, Peng TC. The Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy on Relieving Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:7358918.
Moura CC, Chaves ÉCL, Cardoso ACLR, Nogueira DA, Corrêa HP, Chianca TCM. Cupping therapy and chronic back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2018;26:e3094.