What are the Disadvantages of Cupping?

Many athletes and celebrities have been seen with round marks down their backs. Cupping is an ancient form of therapy used for thousands of years. 

Benefits from Cupping therapy include pain reduction, reduced inflammation, relaxation, reduced anxiety, and overall well-being. Join me today as we dive into Cupping therapy and what, if any, disadvantages it has.

What is Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is a traditional medicine in which a cup is placed on the skin, and the air is pumped out. This will result in the soft tissue getting pulled into the cup, stretching the skin, fascia, and muscle tissues. This can promote blood circulation and aid in recovery. When the soft tissue is pulled and stretched into the cup, the body may respond with increased blood circulation in the treated area. The increase in blood flow may flush out stagnated toxins. This can have the additional benefit of reduced swelling, which can help manage pain and accelerate the body’s ability to recover naturally.

The importance of blood circulation must be recognized when it comes to recovery. Although we have dedicated organs to remove toxins and promote healing, they can sometimes be overwhelmed. Especially when constantly exposed to smoke, chemicals, and other toxins in our daily life.

Disadvantages of Cupping

Some patients find them embarrassing and often confused with bruising. Though they are not bruises as they don’t tend to hurt as bruising does. These round marks can provide insight into how effective the therapy is.

Side effects of Cupping are rare though some patients have reported feeling nausea, sweating, or dizziness. Mild soreness and minimal pain can be felt in the treated area. 

Cupping therapy is generally a safe practice though there are some exceptions. Patients with bleeding conditions such as hemophilia, blood clotting issues, or hemorrhages shouldn’t practice cupping. Patients who recently suffered cardiac arrests within the last 6 months should avoid Cupping therapy. Be sure to inform the helpful staff at SOHMA if you have any skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, as cupping can aggravate the skin in the treated area. 

What are The Round Marks

The round marks left behind after cupping can signify how well your therapy is going. A pale mark can indicate an imbalance in your circulation or that the area being treated isn’t functioning appropriately. Light red or pink marks typically mean this area has good blood circulation and is nearing the end of the therapy. Red marks often indicate a large accumulation of toxins, and you may be experiencing pain and other symptoms. This usually means treatment has just started. If the mark is dark red or nearly purple, it can signify that this body part needs the most attention.

The discoloration on the surface of your skin is temporary, and the round marks aren’t permanent. However, depending on the colors the cupping therapy produces can greatly change the time required for the marks to fade away. The lightest colors can often fade away after a few hours, while the darker marks may take up to two weeks to completely vanish.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step to better health.