06/30/2020
Are you curious about cupping? Have you seen the suction marks on the backs of professional athletes and wanted to try it yourself, but didn’t know where to start? Here’s a little crash course on cupping from both modern and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspectives.
There are several theories currently in play regarding cupping’s mechanism(s) of action. Some of the proposed possibilities explore neural, hematological, and immunological effects, and they include:
• Increasing microcirculation by dilating blood vessels
• Increasing production of red blood cells (RBCs)
• Removing toxins and flushing them by way of the lymphatic system
• Stimulating the production of neutrophils (infection-fighting cells)
• Increasing the body’s endogenous opioid production resulting in pain reduction
• Increasing parasympathetic activity leading to better body relaxation
• Stimulating pain receptors and interfering with the pain signal being transmitted to the brain resulting in pain reduction
• Loosening connective tissue (fascial) adhesions
• And much more!
For those of you who are into reading articles, this one is peer-reviewed and explores some of those theories in greater depth. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6435947/
It should be noted that these theories come from a more modern take on cupping, and they are not necessarily how TCM practitioners approach this modality. We tend to use language and concepts in our diagnoses and treatments that may sound odd to modern ears (like wind-cold-damp bi, qi and blood stagnation, etc.) although they often lead us to arrive at similar outcomes.
The question as to how cupping works is a valid one, but it’s difficult to answer in "Western" medical terms. Keep in mind that cupping as a modality was not developed following modern research. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Cupping techniques evolved over thousands of years and were often passed down through family lineages and small communities. Practitioners utilized a much more conceptual view to describe the changes that were happening in the body. Only now are we attempting to explain these changes with newer and more familiar terminology and ideas. In some ways, we are mixing apples and oranges, and we must be cautious against losing the nuances of the traditional medicine in an effort to systematize and mold these techniques to fit the language of today.
That being said, I do make an effort in my practice to blend traditional and modern schools of thought, as I believe they are both valid applications of medicine. Moving qi and blood as a treatment principle is just as valid as effecting vasodilation, so long as we realize they are not exactly the same thing. There are numerous techniques that may be applied within the realm of cupping, as is the case with any modality, and their applications depend on the desired effect. Whether it is pain control, relaxation, improved circulation and range of motion, or even immune modulating effects, licensed acupuncturists are trained to discern which technique has the greatest chance of achieving results.
For a demonstration on fire cupping, visit FreshParadigms on Instagram and watch the replay of our livestream interview, or click the link here and fast forward to 43:17. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCACHhZAzjA/?igshid=1pnl2fa7kewmz
And when you’re ready to look like you’ve fought off an octopus (it’s a great set up for an intriguing tale), give me a call. I’ll be happy to oblige.
Disclaimer: cupping may be contraindicated for some individuals including those who are pregnant or who are undergoing cancer treatment. Please ask a licensed professional if cupping is appropriate for your condition prior to booking.
