Cupping Therapy: Ancient Origins, and Modern Practices

ABSTRACT

Cupping Therapy: Ancient Origins and Modern Prac ces

FastTrack Workshop

Cupping therapy is a form of alterna ve medicine where glass, silicone or plas c cups are placed on the skin to create vacuum suc on to promote health and healing. Cupping therapy has been used for centuries across various cultures for muscle relaxa on, detoxifica on, and stress relief. By crea ng a vacuum with cups on the skin, this alterna ve medicine technique promotes healing and overall well-being. Cupping therapy aids in releasing tension in so ssue, promo ng circula on and lympha c flow.

Dr. Gregory Lawton

Cupping Therapy: Ancient Origins and Modern Prac ces

Copyright 2024, Dr. Gregory T. Lawton All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmi ed by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without wri en permission from Dr. Gregory T. Lawton. American Health Source, Inc. 2040 Raybrook Street SE, Suite 104 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546 888-375-7245

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Cupping Therapy: Ancient Origins and Modern Prac ces Introduc on Cupping therapy is a form of alterna ve medicine where glass, silicone or plas c cups are placed on the skin to create vacuum suc on to promote health and healing. Cupping therapy has been used for centuries across various cultures for muscle relaxa on, detoxifica on, and stress relief.

By crea ng a vacuum with cups on the skin, this alterna ve medicine technique promotes healing and overall well-being. Cupping therapy aids in releasing tension in so ssue, promo ng circula on and lympha c flow.

Let’s delve into the rich history of this therapeu c art.

Ancient Beginnings Egyp an Ebers Papyrus (1550 BCE): The Egyp an Ebers Papyrus is the earliest documented instance of cupping therapy in North Africa. The Egyp an glyph for “doctor” resembles a cup, emphasizing its significance in healing.

Greek Bronze Era: Bronze cups were employed for cupping during the Greek Bronze Era. Greek physicians prescribed cupping for internal diseases and pain relief.

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Chinese Roots: Ge Hong, a renowned herbalist during the Jin dynasty, is a ributed to introducing cupping in China. Animal horns were used to create suc on, to drain body fluids, and by promo ng energy balance in the body.

Early Methods and Techniques Dry Cupping: A flammable substance is ignited inside the cup burning up the air inside the cup and crea ng a vacuum. The resul ng suc on then li s the skin and increases blood flow and other physiological reac ons in the area being cupped.

Wet Cupping: A er a vacuum is created and suc on results, the therapist removes the cup and makes ny skin incisions. A second suc on cup is then applied which draws out a small amount of blood, believed to contain various toxins. Because of obvious risks such as infec on this prac ce has fallen out of favor.

Global Spread of Cupping Middle Eastern Influence: As cited above ancient Egyp ans prac ced cupping over 5,500 years ago. Cupping therapy traveled across cultures, leaving its mark on Middle Eastern medicine.

Chinese Tradi on: In China and other parts of Asia Ge Hong’s legacy persisted, making cupping an integral part of tradi onal Chinese medicine. Cupping spread to other Asian countries, including Korea and Vietnam.

Modern Resurgence: While cupping therapy has been used consistently all over the world for centuries, the 2016 Olympic Games brought cupping into the global spotlight. U.S. athletes proudly displayed cupping marks, sparking curiosity and awareness of the procedure among athletes and the general public.

The Fundamentals of Cupping Therapy: Who is it for?

With proper screening for contraindica ons, cupping therapy is suitable for anyone. Therapeu c cupping helps with various issues like sports injuries, muscle pain, chronic pain, respiratory ailments, and lymphedema.

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Different Cupping Methods: When star ng cupping therapy, choose the right cup size and method for your pa ent. Large cups cover more area while small cups are ideal for smaller areas or contour massage. Different cupping techniques include sta c, flash, dynamic, shake, and rota onal cupping. In our method of cupping, AcuMyoTherapy, we recommend the use of herbal infused oils to assist with the cupping process, benefits, and results.

Sta c Cupping Sta c cupping is the use of a cup, or several cups, with each cup le in one loca on on the skin and without moving or manipula ng the cup. Apply a small amount of herbal infused oil before placing the cups on the skin. Gently press and release the cup to create suc on or use a pump to remove the air from the cup. Start with a test site for one minute to access the pa ent’s response and then apply the therapy for three to five minutes per area treated. If a cup falls off, simply reposi on it. Use this technique a few mes a week for up to ten days before taking a break from the therapy.

Flash Cupping – Flash cupping involves placing and releasing cups on the skin to create vacuum suc on, helping with blood and lymph stagna on and deep ssue release. Apply a small amount of herbal infused oil before placing the cups on the skin. Try flash cupping for up to five minutes per area for maximum benefits. The benefits include deep ssue release and nerve s mula on.

Dynamic Cupping – (Gliding or Sliding Technique) Dynamic cupping is the gliding or sliding of cups across the skin. Apply an herbal infused oil to the skin. Compress the cup to create vacuum suc on. Glide the cup in a zigzag, circular, or back and forth mo on. When using dynamic cupping to provide a cupping massage limit the massage me period to twenty or thirty minutes.

Shake Cupping – Shake cupping therapy is accomplished by shaking or vibra ng cups in a sta c posi on. Apply a small amount of herbal infused oil before placing the cups on the skin. This technique is beneficial for so ening scars, deep ssue work, and myofascial release.

Rota onal Cupping – Rota on cupping therapy is performed by placing a cup in a sta c posi on and rota ng the cup over the treatment area. Apply a small amount of herbal infused oil before placing the cups on the skin. This technique is beneficial for so ening scars, deep ssue work, and myofascial release.

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All the techniques listed above may be combined to provide a “vacuum” massage therapy session. An expert cupping therapist will be able to demonstrate an adept flow of techniques, changing fluidly from one technique to another easily and efficiently.

To achieve this sense of proficiency first select the correct type and size of cups for the pa ent and your purposes. Having to switch between cup types or sizes breaks the cupping therapy rou ne and flow.

Also choose the correct lubrica ng herbal infused oil for your pa ent’s condi on and in conformance with the pa ent's diagnosis.

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Clinical or Medical Cupping Procedures: Begin with conduc ng a thorough pa ent intake and medical history as well as a screening for contraindica ons for the procedure. Never proceed with treatment without a signed pa ent consent and release form. When the pa ent reports underlying medical condi ons, always obtain a medical referral and document the referral in your pa ent intake or case notes.

Discomfort During Treatment It's normal for a pa ent to feel some discomfort during cupping, but a sense of relaxa on should follow. If a pa ent complains of discomfort and if a er altering your technique or pressure the discomfort persists, stop the procedure. Using an ice pack over the area of treatment should help to alleviate the problem. Cupping is not an appropriate procedure for everyone.

Cupping During Pregnancy – Cupping therapy is s ll allowed during pregnancy, with specific cau ons. It is recommended to obtain a medical release and a pa ent consent and release form before trea ng a pregnant woman. Pregnant women should only be subjected to light or moderate cupping. Do not cup the lower and upper abdomen, the pelvic area, or the lower back and sacrum.

How Long Should the Cups Remain in Place?

A normal treatment me per area treated should be between one to three minutes but the cups should remain on the skin in one loca on for no longer than three to five minutes. Begin cupping on a new pa ent by sta c test cupping on spot for one or two minutes and evaluate the clinical response. Skin redness or hyperemia is a normal response to cupping, broken blood vessels in the cupping area are not a normal response and represent an adverse effect. These small, red, broken blood vessels (capillaries) are called petechiae. Large areas of these petechiae, or repeated injury to the blood vessels, can cause permanent discolora on of the skin.

Where Can Cups be Placed?

Avoid covering the nose or mouth to prevent suffoca on. Do not place cups on the neck over major blood vessels or areas with varicose veins, bulging discs, or skin condi ons. Do not cup over or around moles, lesions, skin cancer, rashes, or autoimmune skin disorders such as eczema.

Should I Use the Fire Cupping Method?

There is a misconcep on that fire is necessary for cupping therapy. However, modern cupping techniques that u lize plas c, glass, or silicone cups create enough suc on without the need for fire. In addi on, fire in a modern clinic or treatment facility is generally a bad idea. Also, the

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number one cause of malprac ce lawsuits for massage therapists is due to pa ent burns. We do not recommend the use of fire for cupping therapy.

Do You Recommend Malprac ce Insurance for the Cupping Procedure?

Absolutely yes! Do not provide cupping therapy without a supplemental insurance rider on your malprac ce insurance policy that specifically covers cupping therapy. Your insurance provider will require that you execute a wri en informed consent form for every pa ent you treat.

Can Cupping be Combined with the Use of Infused Oils?

The easy answer is yes, and in our method, AcuMyoTherapy, of cupping we rou nely recommend combining herbal infused oils with the therapeu c cupping procedure as a skin lubricant and therapeu c agent.

What Do I Do if My Pa ent Has an Adverse Reac on to Cupping? – First, terminate the procedure and assure the safety of the pa ent. Assess the pa ent’s condi on and determine whether the pa ent needs medical evalua on and treatment. If the pa ent does not require medical evalua on and treatment, then release the pa ent and document the incident in wri ng in your case notes. If the pa ent is not able to safely leave your office call 911 and request medical transport to the nearest emergency room.

How Do You Sani ze Cups? – The first step to sani zing cups is to wash cups in warm soapy water. It is recommended to use a fragrance-free product. Do not allow oils or lo ons to dry on your cups, soak them in warm soapy water immediately a er using them. Wash your “clean” cups again before you use them.

Do not use silicone or plas c cups with essen al oils. It is alright to use cups with herbal infused oils. Use a two-step sanita on process for cleaning your cups. The first step is to use warm soapy water and the second step is to use a three percent hydrogen peroxide solu on for twenty minutes and then air dry the cups.

To make a three percent solu on of water and hydrogen peroxide, mix one part of thirty-five percent hydrogen peroxide with eleven parts of water.

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Contraindica ons of Cupping: High Fever: Avoid cupping when a person has a high fever.

Fa gue: Do not perform cupping on individuals who complain of chronic fa gue or who show signs of a weak immune system.

Surgery: Do not use cupping on a person who is in the early stages of recovery from a major surgery.

Bleeding: Do not apply cupping on a person with internal or external bleeding.

Blood Disorders: Do not perform cupping on a person with a medically diagnosed blood condi on such as sickle cell or leukemia.

Anemia: Do not perform cupping on someone with anemia.

Convulsions or Cramps: Cupping is not suitable for individual’s experiencing convulsions or cramps.

Allergic Skin Condi ons: If someone has allergic skin condi ons, cupping should be avoided.

Herbal Infused Oils: When using a topical lubricant or herbal infused oil for cupping use the normal allergy screening process and form to rule out an allergy or allergic reac on to the substance you are applying to the skin. Remember to include the carrier oil in your screening for allergies.

Ulcerated Sores: Do not perform cupping on areas with ulcerated sores.

Thin Muscle Layer: Cupping should only be done on so muscle ssue. Avoid areas where the muscle layer is thin or uneven due to bony projec ons or angles.

Excessive Body Hair: Cupping is not effec ve on areas with excessive body hair.

Irregular Angles: Avoid cupping on body parts with irregular angles.

Veins, Arteries, Nerves: Do not apply cupping directly on veins, arteries, or nerves.

Skin Inflamma on: Cupping is contraindicated on inflamed skin.

Open Wounds: Avoid cupping on open wounds.

Bone Fractures: Do not perform cupping on sites with bone fractures.

Deep Vein Thrombosis: Cupping should not be done on areas affected by deep vein thrombosis.

Pregnant Women: Refrain from trea ng the abdomen or lower back of pregnant women.

Young Children: Do not apply cupping to young children.

Serious Heart Disease: Cupping is not recommended for individuals with severe heart disease.

Pacemaker: Do not provide cupping to a person with a cardiac pacemaker.

Fresh Injec on Sites: Avoid cupping in areas recently injected (wait at least 72 hours a er an injec on).

Hematoma: Do not provide cupping to a person who bruises easily.

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Cau ons for Cupping Therapy: Pressure Sensi vity: Ensure cupping is not painful or uncomfortable. Adjust suc on pressure based on the client’s comfort level. Mild to moderate cupping pressure is always recommended, avoid extremes.

Sensi ve Skin Areas: Do not cup thin or sensi ve skin areas such as under the arms or axillary area.

Genital Area: Do not cup immediately adjacent to or over the genitals.

Eyes: Do not cup over the eyes.

Lympha c System: Modify treatment for clients with autoimmune diseases or lympha c system disorders.

Hydra on: Proper hydra on is crucial for effec ve cupping.

Elderly: Take extra care when trea ng the frail and elderly.

Face and Strong Cupping: Avoid strong cupping on the face.

Cleanliness and Disinfec on: Use proper disinfec on techniques.

Observa on: Always keep an eye on the skin and clinical response.

Post Cupping: Avoid excessive heat, cold, direct sunlight, tanning, or exercise for at least four to six hours post cupping.

Sleepy: If a pa ent gets sleepy or drowsy during cupping stop the procedure.

Hypotension: Screen the pa ent for past hypotension episodes, this history into considera on, provide a mild cupping treatment if appropriate, and exercise cau on.

Hypoglycemia: If a pa ent reports a dysglycemia condi on or recurrent hypoglycemia, provide a mild cupping treatment if appropriate, and exercise cau on.

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Conclusion: Cupping therapy bridges ancient wisdom and modern applica ons. Like any therapeu c modality, cupping has its risks and its benefits. Make certain that you are well trained, well informed, and that you always follow the highest standards in health care and that follow the number one rule as a health care provider, “First do no harm.”

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Other Books and Booklets by this Author

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About the Author: Dr. Gregory T. Lawton is an author of many books, most of them in health science, but also in the genre of healing arts, mar al arts, philosophy, and poetry. Dr. Lawton is a licensed chiropractor, naprapath, and acupuncturist as well as na onally board cer fied in physiotherapy and radiology.

Dr. Lawton has studied and researched herbal medicine since 1970 and is a master herbalist. He has prac ced herbal medicine for over 50 years and taught herbal medicine for over 40 years.

Dr. Gregory T. Lawton has studied and trained in the Asian healing and mar al arts such as Jujitsu, Kenpo, Dao Yin, Chi Kung and Tai Chi Chuan since the early 1960’s. Dr. Lawton’s main and most noted Asian mar al art instructor was Professor Huo Chi-Kwang. Professor Huo was a renowned Chinese scholar, ar st, and calligrapher who served as Taiwan's ambassador to France and the Va can.

Copyright, February 2024

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Copyright, February 2024

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