Tiejun Tang
Cupping therapy is a traditional healing practice that
has gained significant attention in recent years due to its purported health
benefits. Rooted in ancient medical traditions, cupping is used in various
cultures to treat a range of ailments. This article explores the history,
clinical indications, contraindications, and scientific mechanisms underlying
cupping therapy.
History of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy dates back thousands of years and has
been used in different forms across many civilizations. The earliest recorded
use of cupping can be traced to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern
cultures. Egyptian medical texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus (circa 1550 BC),
mention cupping as a method to remove toxins from the body. In Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM), cupping is associated with promoting the flow of Qi (vital
energy) and blood circulation. Islamic medicine, as documented by renowned
scholars like Avicenna, also advocated for cupping as a therapeutic
intervention for various diseases. The tools for cupping have evolved from animal horns used
in ancient times to bamboo, pottery, glass, etc.
Clinical Indications of
Cupping Therapy
Cupping is commonly used for a variety of conditions,
including:
- Musculoskeletal pain: It is frequently
applied to alleviate conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and arthritis.
- Respiratory issues: Cupping has been
traditionally employed to relieve symptoms of colds, asthma, and
bronchitis.
- Stress and anxiety: The relaxing effect
of cupping may help in reducing mental stress and tension.
- Digestive disorders: Some practitioners use
cupping to aid digestion and treat gastrointestinal conditions.
- Sports recovery: Many athletes
incorporate cupping to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time.
Contraindications of
Cupping Therapy
While cupping is generally considered safe, it is
contraindicated in certain conditions, including:
- Skin infections or
open wounds: Cupping over compromised skin can lead to
infections.
- Bleeding disorders: Individuals with
hemophilia or those on anticoagulant therapy should avoid cupping due to
the risk of excessive bruising.
- Pregnancy: Cupping should be
avoided over the abdomen and lower back in pregnant women.
- Severe cardiovascular
conditions: Those with uncontrolled hypertension or cardiac
disease should seek medical advice before undergoing cupping therapy.
Scientific Explanation of
the Mechanism of Cupping
Cupping is believed to promote healing by enhancing blood
flow, reducing pain, and removing toxins. Modern research suggests that cupping
therapy exerts its effects through multiple physiological mechanisms:
1. Pain Modulation via
Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls (DNICs):
Cupping may activate the
body's DNIC system, where the introduction of a new noxious stimulus (the
suction) can diminish the perception of pre-existing pain. This "pain
inhibits pain" phenomenon suggests that the discomfort from cupping can
trigger the body's pain-relief mechanisms.[1]
2. Enhanced Blood Circulation
and Nitric Oxide Release:
The suction effect of
cupping causes localized vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the treated area.[2]
This process may involve the release of nitric oxide, a molecule that regulates
blood pressure and promotes vascular health. Improved circulation can
facilitate the removal of toxins and supply oxygen-rich blood to tissues,
aiding in healing and reducing muscle tension.[3]
3. Reflex Zone Stimulation:
According to reflex zone
theory, stimulating specific skin areas through cupping can influence
corresponding internal organs and tissues. This suggests a neurobiological
connection where cupping affects deeper structures via skin receptors,
potentially improving organ function and alleviating discomfort.[1]
4. Activation of Endogenous
Analgesic Systems:
The mechanical action of
cupping may stimulate mechanosensitive nerve fibers (Aδ and C fibers), leading
to the release of endorphins—natural pain-relieving chemicals. This mechanism
is similar to that proposed for acupuncture, where physical stimulation results
in analgesia.[2]
5. Hemorphin Release from
Hemoglobin Degradation:
Cupping can cause minor
bleeding under the skin, leading to the breakdown of hemoglobin. This process
may release hemorphins, peptides with analgesic properties, contributing to
pain relief experienced after cupping sessions.[2]
The above studies provide scientific evidence for the mechanism of cupping therapy, and further scientific research is needed to fully reveal the mystery of cupping therapy.
Conclusion
Cupping therapy remains a widely practiced and valued
treatment in both traditional and contemporary medicine. While scientific
evidence continues to evolve, many individuals report significant relief from
various ailments. However, it is crucial to consult a qualified healthcare
provider before undergoing cupping therapy, especially for those with
underlying health conditions.
As interest in alternative medicine continues to grow,
further research will help clarify the full range of benefits and mechanisms
behind this ancient therapeutic practice.
Reference:
1. Abdullah MN Al-Bedah
.The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action. J Tradit Complement Med. 2018 Apr 30;9(2):90–97
2. Changzheng Song. Hemorphin-Based Analgesia: A
Mechanism of Cupping Technique? J Pain Res. 2023 May 29;16:1751–1754.
3. Dominador Perido. How does cupping work? Mechanisms of
action explained. Massage Magazine 2022; Dec. 12.
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