Cupping is considered to be a part of alternative medicine that uses small “cups” on an affected area to create suction (vacuum). The cups can be of glass or high grade plastic specially designed for this practices. There are two types of cupping: dry which is a suction only method. Wet cupping involves suction and a controlled bleeding. Scraping, also called Gua sha, coining or spooning, is a massage done by using a tool to apply pressure and literally scrape the skin along the pathways of the acupuncture meridians (IASTM-instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization). Both treatments are based in the ancient Chinese medicine where the balance of the energy flow is essential. Therefore by the use of cupping and scraping, the energy blocks are freed and cleansed.
30 - 120 Min
None
3 - 14 Days
14 - 56 days
Male and female
28 - 74
The purpose of both treatments is to improve blood circulation in order to relieve muscular tension and promote healing. It is also stated by experts that this therapy can also benefit immune system and reduce inflammation.
"Cupping and scraping are indicated for ‘blood stasis’ a chinese traditional medicine concept, described as slow or stagnant blood and characterized by fixed or recurrent pain in acute or chronic disorders. Patients should know that these therapies are closer to homeopathy than to orthodox medicine. There haven't been many scientific studies on cupping, but the studies available show that it can help with acne, herpes zoster, and pain management. For other described cupping uses there isn't research to back all of that up. It is important to remember that cupping is fairly safe but there are some side effects that can appear in the area where the cups touch skin as mild discomfort, burns, bruises or skin infection (if the cups and equipment become contaminated with blood and are not sterilized correctly between patients, bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis B and C can be spread). Scraping, as its own name says, scrapes the skin with short or long strokes to stimulate soft tissue microcirculation, which increases blood flow and decreases inflammation. However, this effect is not scientifically proven and many side effects have been described, for example, it was reported that neck scraping for throat pain can cause extreme swelling of the epiglottis, which results in temporary loss of speaking ability. Also, scraping should not be directly applied to damaged skin and may also be contraindicated for people who have notable skin thinning or for those who take prescription blood thinners such as warfarin."
These methods are not suitable for everyone, please talk to your physician if you have any of the following conditions: conditions affecting the skin or veins, bleed easily, take blood thinning medications, have deep vein thrombosis, have an infection, tumor, or wound that has not healed fully or have an implant, such as a pacemaker or internal defibrillator.
People with sensitive skin or a dermatological ongoing issue
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For cupping, you can expect to feel a bit of discomfort during the vacuum process . The vacuum effect will leave a bruise. When wet cupping, the practitioner will remove the cup and make a small incision or needle the area. In comparison with the cupping, the scraping leaves bruises and a range from dark blue-black to a light pink traces and fade after a week. Some people consider these marks to be alarming, so you might want to see a picture before deciding to get the treatment. Both methods are contraindicated in pregnant women.