Cupping

History and origin: Where does cupping come from?

Cupping is a therapy that is thousands of years old and was practiced as early as 3300 BC in Mesopotamia as well as in ancient Greece, Egypt and China. In ancient times, the procedure was based on humoral pathology, which attributed conditions to an imbalance of bodily fluids. Cupping (similar to bloodletting) was intended to help "reduce blood" and thus restore balance.

In the Middle Ages and early modern times, this method was further developed in Europe and Persia. In Chinese medicine, stagnation of blood and qi was considered to be the cause of complaints. Indigenous shamans used similar techniques independently to "suck out" negative energies or spirits.

Today, cupping is used both as part of naturopathic treatments and as a supplement to physiotherapy and wellness treatments. It is also used for regeneration in competitive sports .

Forms: What forms of cupping therapy are there?

Overview of the different forms of cupping

Forms of Cupping Therapy

Form of Cupping Therapy	Description	Typical Treatments
Dry cupping	Cupping heads or cupping glasses are placed on the skin to create negative pressure.	Relaxes tense muscles and stimulates blood circulation.
Bloody cupping	The skin is lightly scratched before the cupping head is applied, allowing some blood to flow out.	Used for chronic complaints and for draining.
Cupping massage	The cupping glass is moved over oiled skin, creating a massage effect.	Stimulates blood circulation, loosens fascia adhesions, useful for cellulite.
Cosmetic cupping	Small cupping glasses, usually made of glass or silicone, are used especially on the face or thighs.	For skin tightening, promoting collagen formation, and cellulite treatment.
Modern cupping massage	Flexible silicone cupping heads are gently pulled over the skin.	Used in spas and sports for muscle relaxation and regeneration.

Indication: How does cupping work?

Areas of application of cupping on a woman's back

Cupping is said to offer a variety of health benefits. These includepromoting blood circulation in the treated skin areas. This can help the body to relieve muscle stiffness and tension. According to many proponents of alternative medicine, cupping therapy can also improve lymph flow, strengthen the immune system and promote the elimination of harmful substances .

Typical areas of application are

Headaches, neck and back pain
Cold symptoms and respiratory diseases
Cardiovascular complaints
Psychosomatic stresses such as stress, sleep disorders or depressive moods
Cosmetic goals such as skin tightening or fat reduction support

The resulting negative pressure lifts the tissue, intensifies blood circulation and activates the body's own regeneration processes. The effect of cupping is therefore described as both physically relieving and relaxing.

The effectiveness has not yet been clearly proven scientifically, but studies indicate positive effects. A meta-analysis by Jiaotong University Xi'an (2015) and a review by Cao et al. (2012, PLOS ONE) show that cupping in combination with other therapies can relieve pain and support regeneration. Cupping is also increasingly being researched as part of complementary medical procedures.

Contraindication: What are the side effects of cupping therapy?

Bruising and skin irritation are common but generally harmless side effects of cupping therapy. If the treatment is not carried out correctly, for example if the negative pressure is too high or the treatment lasts too long, painful skin irritation or minor injuries may occur.

People with the following pre-existing conditions or complaints should avoid cupping:

Blood clotting disorders
Anemia
Acute infections or fever
Pregnancy in the first trimester
Open wounds or inflamed areas of skin
Fresh scars, burns or active skin diseases such as eczema

If in doubt, seek medical or alternative practitioner advice before starting treatment.

Conclusion

The most important facts about cupping at a glance

1. Cupping is one of the oldest healing methods in the world.
2. The method is based on negative pressure that acts on the skin.
3. It is intended to promote blood circulation, lymph flow and muscle relaxation.
4. Cupping is treated for back pain, tension, cellulite and fat loss.
5. There are different forms: dry, bloody, cupping massage, cosmetic and cupping.
6. Cupping is a traditional naturopathic procedure that is also used in modern therapy concepts.

FAQ - Further questions about cupping

What is cupping?

Cupping is a traditional natural healing method in which negative pressure is applied to the skin to improve circulation and lymph flow.

What are the benefits of cupping?

It promotes blood circulation, relaxes the tissue and can relieve pain.

What conditions does cupping help with?

It is typically used for back pain, muscle tension, headaches, respiratory problems and stress. It is also used to treat cellulite and support the metabolism.

Cupping against cellulite - does it work?

By improving blood circulation and stimulating the tissue, cupping can help to visually reduce cellulite.

How long does a cupping session last?

A treatment usually takes 10-20 minutes, depending on the technique and skin sensitivity.

How often cupping?

For a lasting effect, many naturopaths recommend 1-2 sessions per week, whereby breaks between treatments are important.

What is a cupping massage?

During a cupping massage, the cupping glass is moved over oiled areas of skin to release tension and adhesions.