According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), cupping is an ancient practice of using cups made of glass, ceramic, and bamboo to promote healing. There are also multiple health benefits connected with this ancient therapy, and this article will cover all you need to know.
It Could Reduce Pain And Sore Muscles
Certain research suggests that cupping can assist in muscle recovery. According to a study published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology in 2021, cupping can treat muscle fatigue 24 hours after participants have worked out their biceps in the lab.
Another review showed cupping could reduce pain and improve quality of life in individuals with neck pain.
It Could Improve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Researchers have suggested that cupping could treat carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition causes tingling, numbness, and pain in the hand and forearm.
In a study of 56 with carpal tunnel syndrome, half were treated with routine physical therapy. In contrast, the other half received the same treatment combined with cupping therapy to their wrist region. The researchers discovered that those in the cupping group experienced more improvement in their symptoms than the other group.
It Could Help With Fatigue and Mood Improvement
According to Lana Butner, ND, a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist, cupping can help with stress relief and increase relaxation. While scientific research on this is limited, some evidence supports this claim.
Based on an August 2020 study examining 91 people with chronic fatigue syndrome, five cupping sessions improved fatigue, mood, and sleep. The results were even more prominent after 10 cupping sessions.
It Could Ease Headaches and Migraines
Some researchers suggest that cupping could benefit individuals with chronic headaches or migraines. According to a study published in February 2019 in Biomedical Research and
Therapy, patients who were treated with cupping therapy had a significant reduction in pain intensity compared to those who did not receive the cupping treatment.
Conclusion
While cupping is safe for most individuals, you should avoid it if you have skin conditions such as ulcers, edema (swelling), and dermatitis. It is also not advisable if you are pregnant or suffer from bleeding disorders.
Beyond this, the research on the health benefits of cupping is still limited. This means more in-depth studies are required to determine its efficacy for various patients and conditions. If you are still curious about the treatment, consult your doctor before trying it.
