Everything you need to know about cupping therapy. This traditional bo (2024)

Simply put, cupping works by “breaking down stagnated elements and letting them resurface and go through our body's metabolic system to be taken out as waste,” says Ooi. Cupping traditionally involves applying glass domes to the back, before using fire to create suction against the skin,although today many practitioners use silicone domes that don’t require an open flame to activate.Cupping is usually recognised by the circular marks it leaves on the skin, scattered across the client’s back. Oftenmistaken for bruises, these marks are actually caused by the blood being drawn specifically into that area via thecup’s pressure. The depth of colour in the marks is believed to be an indicator of the levels of stagnant blood, toxinsand lymph present in the body.

“The red marks that form will then be transported through our waste system, prompting healing and stimulating thelymphatic system, which in turn helps to get rid of excess fluids and promote waste management,” says Ooi. “Thecupping marks on your body will indicate the level of blood and Qi stagnation, toxin accumulation, or dampnesspresent,” says Ooi.

Dampness is a condition existing within the body, which the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine suggest canbe caused by our digestive system's inability to transport fluids, or from the body being overwhelmed by externaldamp from the weather, foods we eat, or illness. It’s most easily recognised as phlegm, coldness and sluggishness,and can lead to symptoms such as indigestion and respiratory tract congestions.Qi translates literally to air, but as Ooi explains, it really refers to the flow of energy. “According to TraditionalChinese Medicine, everything from our body to our feelings is made up of Qi, and a balanced Qi is essential for goodhealth."

As well as as a preventative treatment, cupping is used directly to treat several specific ailments, such as “tensedmuscles or chronic muscle aches: a lot of athletes and sportsmen have cupping in-between competitions to speed uprecovery,” says Ooi. “While treatments such as gua sha allow for more mobility and flexibility, I find cupping to beespecially great for people who might have been suffering for chronic tension, to a point that their 'knots' are toohard or too sore to touch.” she says.

“If you've symptoms of indigestion (such as bloating), cold limbs or water retention, practitioners can cup along themeridian network reflexive to the organ system, which might be imbalanced and obstructing a regular flow of Qi and blood to nourish the body,” she adds.

Cupping aftercareJust as with gua sha, Ooi recommends avoiding showering for two hours following a body cupping treatment, and tokeep yourself warm. “This is because any dampness that develops can turn into cold when entering into the bodywhile the blood vessels are wide open and active.”

It’s a good idea to drink plenty of water following cupping therapy in order to give your lymph system a boost. It’salso normal to feel a little tired, or possibly even flu-like, as your body processes and eliminates the toxins released.“The body can be overwhelmed by all the actions coming together – so listen to your body if it tells you to rest, keepwarm and take a nap. I’m certain you'll wake up feeling light and relaxed. It's important to remember these flu-likesymptoms are only a temporary reaction by your immune system to the cellular waste that cupping helps to release,”says Ooi.

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