Ted Robu
The 2016 Olympics brought the world’s attention to the specific modality of cupping. For many, this may be the first time that the circles left behind by cupping have been seen, creating many questions. Our own Michael Phelps’ shoulders have been covered with these prominent reddish brown circles. Cupping has been practiced and refined for over 5000 years. The monks who were first known to practice this modality found that it increased blood flow and oxygen levels in the areas that they were treating. Thus it would hasten healing of any soft tissue damage. They also found that it lessened the recovery time to an injured area beneath the surface being treated.
There are various types of cupping therapy, but one of the most common is Dry (suction only). During this type, a flammable substance such as alcohol, herbs or paper is placed in a cup and set on fire. As the fire goes out, the cup is placed upside down on the patient’s skin. As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum. This causes the skin to rise and redden as vessels expand. The cup is generally left in place for five to ten minutes. Or, a more modern version of cupping uses a rubber pump to create the vacuum inside the cup. Sometimes practitioners use medical-grade silicone cups. These are pliable enough to be moved from place to place on the skin and produce a rubbing type feeling. Many practitioners use cupping therapy to treat a wide variety of disorders such as bronchial congestion, anxiety, hypertension, anemia and many more. The success of this has not been confirmed by studies, but many claims of success have been made.
The current belief is that cupping should not be used on or near deep vein thrombosis or ulcers, or on areas where a pulse can be felt or near an artery. People who should avoid using cupping are those with metastatic cancer, pregnant or menstruating women and people with muscle spasms or bone fractures. According to the American Cancer Society, one problem associated with cupping therapy is that patients may skip conventional treatment: “Relying on this treatment alone and delaying or avoiding conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences.”
Supporters also believe that cupping therapy can reduce pain and inflammation throughout the body. And they say it can promote mental and physical relaxation and well-being. Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Naturopathic doctors and Ayurvedic practitioners, who are certified Cupping practitioners, may incorporate it in their practice.
It has been my intention in writing this article to help clear up the confusion created by the brownish red circle seen on many of the Olympic athletics and to assure the viewers that there is nothing illegal, such as the doping happening, when an athlete uses cupping.
Ted Robu, BS, LMT, is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist who has published several articles as well as provided many educational lectures and demonstrations for communities with special needs populations such as Hemophilia, HIV, AIDS and cancer patients. He has also had the privilege of working with the United States Olympic Race Walking Team and has had a practice in SaddleBrooke for 20 years, focusing on the special needs of the active adult population.