Introduction:
Cupping Therapy is one of the oldest and most effective methods of releasing toxins from the body’s tissues and organs. Other terms for cupping are: fire cupping, body vacuuming, and the horn method. Cupping is the practice of applying a partial vacuum by means of heat or suction in one or several bell shaped vessels (suction cups) to parts of the skin. This causes the tissues beneath the cup to be drawn up and swell increasing blood flow to the affected area. This enhanced blood flow under the cup draws impurities and toxins away from the nearby tissues and organs towards the surface for elimination. The time the suction cups are left in place varies according to the patient’s age and physical constitution, and the medical disorder being treated.Cupping acts to draw inflammation and pressure away from the deep organs (especially the heart, brain, lungs, liver and kidneys) towards the skin. This facilitates the healing process. Practitioners of cupping contend that this process strengthens the immune system, so encouraging the optimum functioning of the body. In other words, it assists the actions of Physis. In doing so, it diverts toxins and other harmful impurities from these vital organs towards the less-vital skin, before expulsion. The blood which is diverted allows for a fresh ‘stream’ of blood to that area.
Types of Cupping Therapies:
This therapy was mostly developed, diversified and mass percolated by the Unani practitioners. Based on the agent for vacuum creation that is Fire and depending upon the method of the application of Cupping Therapy (Hijamah) it is classified into two types such as:-
1. Hijamah-Bila-shurt (Non-invasive cupping or Dry cupping): Skin immediately below the cup is sucked up by a vacuum created inside the cup. Non-invasive cupping is characterized by application of cups without making an incision (Pachhna)
2. Hijamah-Bil-Shurt (Invasive cupping or wet cupping or cupping with scarification,which is known as “Purging” in Mediterranean System of Medicine): In which the skin immediately below the cup is cross cut superficially several times – lightly lacerated – so that blood would actually be drawn out by the vacuum from the skin into the cup.
The following two types of Hijamah-Bil-Shurt were also described by some Unani scholars:
1. Zaroori Hijamah (Essential Cupping)
2. lkhtyari Hijamah (Voluntary/ Optional Cupping).
Scientific basis of Cupping Therapy:
Modern scientific medical theories have proved it that waste materials of the body are collected and prepared to be disposed off by the Lymphatic System while the Circulatory System helps in proper distribution of oxygen and nourishment to the tissues, purging out carbon dioxide. This system if maintained at equilibrium can not only preserve our health but also can accelerate our healing process from ailments.
Cupping Therapy involves the creation of a localized vacuum generated swelling of skin at the affected site, with or without the use of fire, which draws out the air between the cup and skin, creating a vacuum. When the localized vacuum is created inside the cup, a powerful negative pressure literally sucks up the components within the tissues and muscles and causes vasodilation. Thus, there is a dramatic increase in blood and lymph circulation. By pulling the flesh up and outwards from the underlying structures, it facilitates rigid soft tissue release and the ability to recover from pain and injuries quickly. It loosens areas of adhesion, restriction and tension knots. It stimulates synovial fluids which then ease stiffness in joints and sore muscles. It also tonifies and strengthens muscles. Cupping therapy penetrates deep into the body; approximately 4” deep and promotes blood circulation and nourishment to all the internal organs. It strengthens the immune system and increases the white blood cell count. When the localized bruising or congestion occurs, the body assumes it is hurt. So the immune system sends out more white blood cells to heal the area quickly. It engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which increases relaxation and promotes pain relief. Cupping therapy stimulates the nervous system reflex to the cerebral cortex and aids in faster recovery from sickness and pain.
Hormone production rapidly increases and allows the digestive tract to function efficiently. It is able to rid the body of toxic substances easily and so improve the overall health of the body. This also contributes to healthier looking skin and the slowing down of the ageing process. Cupping therapy increases both the temperature and metabolism within the skin. It is excellent for natural face lifts and rejuvenating the complexion. Cupping allows efficient functioning of sebaceous glands and flushing capillary beds. Thus, it drains stagnant blood, toxins and lymph through sweat, urine and stool.
Cupping allows a person to lose weight as the body is able to get rid of water retention and cellulite. Intensive cupping can break up adhesions under the skin which cause the dimples in fatty, fleshy areas. It increases circulation, and thus, the body’s ability increases to detoxify naturally. It sucks out fatty acids, debris and toxins which have harmfully settled in the tissues. It forces them back into circulation. These will eventually be expelled by the body naturally at some point. It allows the ample flow of vital nutrients throughout the body.
In the case of wet cupping, all of the above points also apply. Further, by the very nature of wet cupping, it increases the red and white blood cell counts in the body. Acidic blood will eventually become neutral or more alkaline, and a natural pH balance will be attained. This is very useful if a patient has acidic, thick or stagnant blood. Wet cupping will de-acidify and eventually thin the blood, thus enabling it to circulate around the body effectively. It purifies blood and facilitates both blood flow to diseased organs and tissues. This is beneficial because 70% of diseases occur because of poor blood and oxygen supply to organs and tissues.
