Academic interest in cupping has grown rapidly in recent years, and there is increasing evidence that it may help in a range of conditions, particularly painful conditions such as migraine, rheumatism, fibromyalgia, arthritis and back pain, and endocrine conditions such as diabetes and infertility.
How is it performed?
A cup is first applied with vacuum to the area, which numbs the skin and keeps discomfort to a minimum. Tiny scratches are then made with a scalpel and blood is drawn with the cup under vacuum. When performed by trained medical staff, the scratches disappear completely within a few days and the procedure does not affect daily life.
When is it performed?
Cupping is recommended for general well-being and for certain conditions. Cupping for a specific condition has no special day or time and is applied whenever needed. Cupping for general detox is traditionally performed on odd days after the full moon, when it is considered more effective; in cases such as a migraine attack, pain or a fall it can be performed at any time. Fasting, dieting or stopping medication is not required beforehand, with the exception of blood thinners.
Which areas of the body?
The back is the usual area, but depending on the complaint the head and other acupuncture points can also be used. As with every treatment, who is treated and how is decided by the physician, and the procedure is performed by the physician or by medical staff under the physician's supervision.
Conditions in which cupping is applied
- Weakened immune system
- Chronic fatigue
- Calcification
- Prostate problems and sexual weakness
- Hormonal imbalance
- Muscle oedema
- Menstrual irregularity
- Obesity
- Fibromyalgia
- Headache and migraine
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Ankle sprain and bruising
- Musculoskeletal conditions (low back, neck and shoulder pain, rheumatism, osteoarthritis)
- Depression and anxiety
- Dermatological conditions
When is cupping not applied?
- The conditions required before cupping must always be observed.
- During the heavy days of menstruation
- In the first three months of pregnancy