Sanare - Holistic Natural Therapies

Cupping Therapy

Ancient healing method using therapeutic cups

Cupping therapy is one of the oldest healing methods used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and traditional folk medicine across many cultures. It was known in ancient Egypt and Greece, with Hippocrates recommending it as effective support for treating various ailments. It has been particularly widespread in Eastern Poland. Modern medicine increasingly studies its mechanisms and confirms its effectiveness in many conditions.

Currently, various types of cups are used, with the most popular being:

  • Fire cups (traditional glass) - vacuum is created by heating the inside and quickly applying to the skin.
  • Vacuum cups (fire-free, plastic or silicone) - suction is created using a mechanical pump, without fire.
  • Rubber and silicone cups (Chinese) - mainly used for massage and pain therapy.

How Does Cupping Therapy Work?

During treatment, cups create local negative pressure, which causes suction of the skin and subcutaneous tissue into the cup. This phenomenon triggers a series of biological reactions in the body:

  1. Increased microcirculation - negative pressure causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to more intensive blood flow to tissues. This improves their nourishment and oxygenation.
  2. Immune system stimulation - at the cup application site, minor blood extravasation (micro hemorrhages) occurs, which the body interprets as inflammation and activates the immune system. Studies show increases in leukocytes and interferon levels, strengthening immunity.
  3. Pain and muscle tension reduction - negative pressure affects pain receptors and relaxes muscles. It works similarly to fascial therapy, improving tissue elasticity and reducing muscle stiffness.
  4. Body detoxification - improved lymph and blood circulation supports toxin removal from tissues, supporting liver and kidney function.
  5. Nervous system effects - stimulation of skin receptors through negative pressure has a relaxing and analgesic effect, which can reduce stress and psychological tension.

Benefits of Cupping

Cupping therapy can be used to support treatment of many conditions:

  • Immunity support - particularly effective for colds, flu, and viral infections.
  • Muscle and joint pain treatment - helpful for back pain, sciatica, arthritis.
  • Improved blood and lymph circulation - supports treatment of swelling, cellulite, and circulation problems.
  • Stress and tension relief - reduction of muscle tension and improved well-being.
  • Body detoxification - helps remove toxins and improves internal organ function.
  • Respiratory system support - effective for asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia.

Contraindications - When Not to Use Cupping?

Despite many benefits, there are certain contraindications for this therapy:

  • Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
  • Severe heart and circulatory diseases (e.g., stage III hypertension, heart failure)
  • Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, open wounds)
  • Blood clotting disorders, hemophilia
  • Pregnancy (especially in the first trimester)
  • Varicose veins at the cup application site
  • Cancer and autoimmune diseases (after medical consultation)

What Does a Cupping Session Look Like?

  1. Preparation - I conduct a consultation with you to determine if there are any contraindications and to decide on cup placement. You lie in a comfortable position on the massage table, and I choose appropriate locations for cup application based on your concern (usually back, chest, abdomen, or limbs). I perform a gentle skin massage to stimulate circulation.
  2. Cup Application
    • Fire cups - I introduce flame into the cup to remove oxygen and create vacuum, then quickly apply to skin so the cup is suctioned and creates vacuum.
    • Vacuum cups - using a pump, I create negative pressure and attach the cup to the body.
  3. Duration - Cups remain on the skin for 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the condition and body's reaction. You relax under a warm blanket during this time.
  4. Treatment completion - I gently remove the cups and perform another gentle relaxing massage. Round marks (blood extravasations) may remain on the skin, which disappear after a few days. Remember, these are not indicators of whether the cups were applied correctly or not. This is an individual body reaction to the negative pressure created in the cup.

How Often Can Cupping Treatment Be Performed?

  • For infections and colds - every 2-3 days, 3-5 treatments in a series.
  • For chronic pain - 1-2 times per week for several weeks.
  • For general health improvement and detoxification - once every 2 weeks.

In Summary

Cupping therapy is an effective, natural method supporting health, based on principles of improved circulation, immune system stimulation, and muscle tension reduction. Increasing scientific research confirms its effectiveness in treating pain, infections, and body detoxification.

It's worth undergoing such a session not only in case of sudden cold, but also as prevention to take care of our immune system so it's ready at any moment.

Cupping therapy can be an excellent complement to holistic healthcare, especially in combination with other natural therapies such as Reiki, frequency therapy, or therapeutic massage.