Cupping

Cupping is a type of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin with the application of heated cups. Its practice mainly occurs in Asia but also in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Cupping has been characterized as a pseudoscience and its practice can lead to burns, bruises, scars, and other skin injuries.

History

Cupping therapy has been used for thousands of years. It developed over time from the original use of hollowed animal horns to drain toxins out of snakebites and skin lesions. Horns evolved into bamboo cups, which were eventually replaced by glass. Therapeutic applications evolved with the refinement of the cup itself, and with the cultures that employed cupping as a health care technique. The true origin of cupping therapy remains in obscurity.

Types of Cupping

There are different methods of cupping, including:

• Dry cupping (suction only)
• Wet cupping (combination of suction and controlled medicinal bleeding)

Procedure

In both types of cupping, a flammable substance such as alcohol, herbs, or paper is placed in a cup and set on fire. As the fire goes out, the cup is placed upside down on the patient's skin. As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum. This causes the skin to rise and redden as blood vessels expand. The cup is generally left in place for up to 3 minutes.

Medical Views and Safety

While cupping is considered relatively safe (especially air cupping, which does not include the risk of fire and heat), it can cause some swelling and bruising on the skin. As the cups are usually made of glass, there is a small risk of breaking and injury.

See Also

• Alternative Medicine
• Pseudoscience