Cupping Therapy at St Hugh's
This article on Cupping Therapy appeared in the Health Matters section of the Grimsby Telegraph in May 2011.
Welcome from Donna Read, Hospital Director at St Hugh’s
St Hugh’s is Grimsby’s very own private, independent hospital, providing a wide range of surgical operations carried out by a team of very well qualified local surgeons. We pride ourselves on our MRSA free environment. Every month, the Health Matters column features a different treatment or procedure offered at the hospital. This month’s health feature is about Cupping Therapy.Cupping Therapy: Promoting a sense of health and wellbeing throughout the body
Cupping has recently entered the media spotlight, capturing the public’s attention as the new celebrity health craze, but it is by no means a new treatment option. Its origins dates back to 3000BC and cupping has been used in a number of different cultures and races. Although most commonly associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cupping in its earliest form was found in Egypt and throughout history in Ancient Greece, Africa and Islamic traditions.
How does it work?
A simple but effective vacuum procedure, where pressure is applied either through heat or suction and the skin and tissue underneath is drawn up into the cup.
Cups can take many shapes and forms; most common are glass and plastic bell shaped jars but most vessels can be effective – even animal horns and jam jars would work! These give the characteristic ‘ring marks’ post treatment.
The cups can be applied and removed quickly or can be left on for 10-15 minutes. They can be static or moving across the problem area. The friction on the skin’s surface causes an increase in heat and blood flow to the area associated with redness and bruising. It is this ‘mini-trauma’ that helps promote healing to the area. It also provides a deeper mobilisation of tissue and loosens tight muscle and connective tissue.
Is it painful?
Most people worry that the redness and bruising associated with cupping, which can last between 2-10 days, is an indicator that the treatment may be painful. This is a misconception; there is a tightness associated with the suction pressure but this can be adjusted using a valve on the top of each cup, to meet the individual’s comfort needs. Many clients prefer the even and direct pressure of cupping when compared to deeper manual massages or acupuncture.
As with any treatment there may be an ache or tenderness afterwards, which may vary with each individual or depending upon their injury/condition.
The most important factor is to communicate with your therapist and make sure you give feedback if certain areas or pressures are too painful and they can adjust or abandon as appropriate.
What conditions can cupping can help with?
- Any soft tissue musculoskeletal injury, acute or chronic
- Can be used with, or instead of, acupuncture on the same acupuncture points. Good news for needle-phobic clients!
- Especially useful in scar management by helping to loosen and lighten scar tissue
- Respiratory conditions e.g. asthma
- Digestive problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
There are no specific criteria for cupping and most people are eligible for treatment but caution is needed in selection. This is mainly concerning the increase blood flow to the area and bruising associated with treatment. It is advisable to speak to the therapist prior to booking.
What can a client expect at the first session of cupping?
The therapist will take a thorough history of the client’s current complaint and any other relevant past medical history. After an examination, a diagnosis and a treatment plan is decided on. Cupping is always used in conjunction with a home exercise programme and never as a sole treatment. It is important to prolong and maintain the benefits of the treatment by continuing to follow the therapist’s advice at home.
If cupping is assessed as appropriate the therapist will then decide on the number of cups. This will depend on the size of the area, how the client tolerates treatment and how acute the condition is. If the cups are to be moved then massage oil is applied to allow the cups to glide and reduce the friction on the skin. The cupping will generally last approximately 15 minutes and the whole session will last between 30-45 minutes.
If further sessions are required the second appointment is generally 1-2 weeks later, to allow for any redness and bruising to disappear.
For further information on cupping and how to book a treatment, contact the Physiotherapy Department at St Hugh’s Hospital (01472) 251100 ext 3315
