Cupping Therapy "is a form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin."
This therapy is believed to be practiced as early as 3000 B.C. and strated by Egyptians.
Traditionally this method was used to treat respiratory problems like common cold, pneumonia, bronchitis etc..
Now-a-days this therapy is gaining attention due to it's use by American sports celebrities like
DeMarcus Ware
Alexander Naddour
Matalie Caughlin
Michel Phelps
In this therapy, a cup is placed on the skin over the targeted area and vacuum is created under the cup.
Vacuum is created by heating and subsequent cooling of air under the cup or by a mechanical pump.
This cup is left in place for 5 to 15 minutes.
Benefits
- Help treat pain, deep scar tissue, muscle knot, swelling etc.
- Increases blood flow
- Relaxation
- As a type of deep tissue massage
It is believed that it is a placebo treatment and there is no good evidence about its beneficial effect on health.
Cupping Therapy is generally safe when performed by trained professional on an otherwise healthy person.
But cupping may result in bruising, burn or skin infection.
Systemically it may lead to anemia, insomnia, headache, nausea.
It may lead to fluid accumulation in tissues and rupture of blood vessels.
This therapy may be harmful in people who are thin or obese.