Cupping: traditional method for circulatory promotion

Cupping: traditional method for circulatory promotion

The cupping, a practice rooted into deep traditions, experiences a remarkable renaissance in modern Medicine. From ancient civilizations to the present day, this fascinating method for promoting circulatory promotion has continuously developed and has been experienced in order to counteract a wide variety of health problems. But what exactly is behind this centuries -old technique, and to what extent their positive effects are evidenced by science? This article illuminates the historical development of cupping therapy, immerse yourself in the scientific foundations of this practice and also offers a comprehensive guide for safe and effective application. By gathering current research results and historical insights, this analysis aims to make the complexity and dynamics of the cupping opened, and encourages to look at traditional healing methods in a new light.

historical development of cupping therapy: from antique origins to modern practice

The cupping therapy, a form of alternative medicine, in which a negative pressure is generated by cupping glasses on the skin, has its origin in various old civilizations. Already 1,500 BC Descriptions of this form of therapy were found in Egypt. The method was also applied by the ancient Greeks, including the famous doctor Hippocrates (approx. 460-370 BC), and later spread in the Roman Empire and in the Middle Ages in Europe. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), cupping has been used for around 1,000 BC. BC used, where it represents an integral part of therapeutic practice.

The historical evolution of cupping therapy over the centuries shows a remarkable consistency in the basic application method, but also significant regional adjustments and extensions of technology. Horns were originally used by animals or bamboo vessels, later glasses or metal bells. The introduction of the glass bells that could easily produce a vacuum by applying heat meant an important progress.

With the Enlightenment and Progress of Scientific Medicine in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the popularity of cupping therapy in the western world decreased. It was increasingly regarded as part of folk medicine and her practice shifted to the field of alternatives or complementary healing methods. In many parts of the world, especially in Asia and the Middle East, it remained a common form of treatment.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, cupping therapy again experienced an increasing interest, not least due to the public visibility of athletes and celebrities that underwent this treatment. Modern cupping is often used in connection with other forms of therapy such as massage, acupuncture or physiotherapy. There are different types of cupping that are used in modern practice, including the dry cupping, in which no cut is made into the skin, and the bloody cupping, in which small cuts are made before the vacuum is generated.

Integrative medicine, which promotes the combination of alternatives and conventional therapy methods, increasingly considers cupping as a supplementary treatment option for a variety of symptoms. Despite the historical roots and widespread distribution, the cupping therapy continues to lack extensive, scientifically well -founded studies that could clearly demonstrate their effectiveness and security.

Scientific foundation: An overview of current studies on effectiveness

cupping, a form of therapy with a long tradition, is often used in various clinical situations because of its potential therapeutic advantages. In recent years, numerous scientific studies have focused on examining the mechanisms of action and the effectiveness of the cupping. It was used in a variety of contexts, including pain management, promotion of blood circulation, and as supportive therapy for musculoskeletal disorders.

A meta-analysis published in the Journal "Plos One" shows that cupping therapy can effectively reduce pain, especially in patients with chronic neck and back pain. However, the investigation also emphasized the need for further high -quality studies to underpin these findings.

Another important aspect that is researched is the effect of the cupping on local blood circulation. A study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" showed that local skin blood circulation in the area of ​​the cupping significantly increased. This supports the traditional assumption that cupping can contribute to promoting blood circulation.

The safety of the cupping is another important topic. While cupping is generally considered safe if it is carried out by trained specialists, side effects such as bruises, pain or skin infections can occur occasionally. Appropriate training and knowledge of the correct techniques are therefore crucial to minimize the risks.

In terms of scientific foundation, there are different types of cupping, such as dry cupping and bloody cupping, each with different mechanisms of action and areas of application. Research tends to concentrate on specific types, which makes it difficult to compare the study results.

Practical application and safety instructions: A guide for the correct implementation of cupping therapy

The correct implementation of cupping therapy is crucial for its effectiveness and security. There are different cupping methods, including the dry cupping, in which a vacuum is generated on the skin without cutting, and the bloody cupping, in which small cuts are made on the skin before the vacuum is used. Both methods aim to promote blood circulation, relieve pain and support healing.

• Preparation: Before application, the skin area to be treated should be cleaned. The equipment, especially the cupping glasses, must be sterile. The choice of the right place is also crucial for the attachment of the glasses, which varies depending on the treatment goal.
• implementation: When the cupping is dry, a cupping glass is placed on the skin, and a negative pressure is generated by means of a pump or heating. Small skin slopes are previously set when the cadence of bloody cades. The duration of how long the glasses stay on the skin varies, but should usually not exceed 5 to 15 minutes.
• aftercare: After the treatment, the treated skin area can be red and possibly have slight bruises. Adequate aftercare includes the disinfection of the skin and applying a soothing ointment.

The safety of cupping therapy depends heavily on the correct application and hygiene. Contraindications should be observed. The people for whom cupping is not suitable include:

• pregnant women
• people with severe skin diseases
• people with blood clotting disorders

For a safe application, thorough training and experience in cupping therapy is also required. Specialists should therefore always monitor the implementation or users should at least receive a thorough instruction before using cupping therapy for themselves.

Correctly carried out cupping can therefore be an effective method for supporting physical health if the described safety instructions are followed.

Finally, it can be stated that cupping therapy is a method with a long historical tradition that is used today both in alternative medicine and in modern scientific research. This article has given a comprehensive overview of the historical development, the scientific foundations as well as the correct application and safety instructions. Despite the reputation in different cultures for centuries, interested parties should be aware that the effectiveness of the cupping can vary depending on the condition and individual situation. Current science provides information on potential health advantages that could be associated with cupping therapy, but at the same time emphasizes the need for further research in order to clearly demonstrate these advantages and further refine the methodology. People who are considering trying this out therapy are advised to first contact qualified specialists and not to carry out the therapy independently without the appropriate guidance and expertise. This not only guarantees security, but also achieved the greatest possible health benefit.

sources and further reading

references

• Ahmed, S.M., Madbouly, N.H., Maklad, S.S. & Abu-Hady, e.a. (2005). Immunomodulatory Effects of Blood Letting Cupping Therapy in Patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. Egyptian Journal of Immunology , 12 (2), 39-51.
• al-bedah, A.M.N., Elsubai, i.S., Qureshi, N.A., et al. (2019). The Medical Perspective of Cupping Therapy: Effects and Mechanisms of Action. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine , 9 (2), 90–97.

Studies

• Mehta, P. & Dhapte, V. (2015). Cupping Therapy: A Prudent Remedy for a Pllethora of Medical Ailments. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine , 5 (3), 127-134.
• Michalsen, A., Bock, S., Lüdtke, R., Rampp, T., Baecker, M., Bachmann, J., Langhorst, J., & Musial, F. (2009). Effects of Traditional Cupping Therapy in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Pain , 10 (6), 601-608.

further reading

• Cao, H., Li, X., & Liu, J. (2012). An updated review of the efficacy of cupping therapy. Plos One , 7 (2), E31793.
• Farhadi, K., Schwebel, D.C., Saeb, M., Choubsaz, M., Mohammadi, R., & Ahmadi, A. (2009). The effectiveness of Wet-Cupping for Nonspecific Low Back Pain in Iran: A Randomized Controlled Trial. complementary therapy in Medicine , 17 (1), 9-15.
• Kim, J.I., Lee, M.S., Lee, i.e., Boddy, K., & Ernst, E. (2011). Cupping for Treating Pain: A Systematic Review. evidence-based complementary and alternative Medicine , 2011, 467014.