The cup that runneth over: this ancient treatment is a cure-all for many illnesses

By Aamirah Thayibah

What do Jennifer Aniston, Michael Phelps and Lady Gaga have in common? They’re all a part of a growing number of people turning to cupping, an ancient Chinese therapy known for its pain-relieving and detox benefits.

Officially recognised as a part of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), cupping has seen its variation across cultures. It poses a range of benefits to the user. Sarfaraz, who underwent a series of cupping sessions for his frozen shoulder found relief. “I undertook treatment for my tight shoulder. immediately after the session, I could feel reduced tension around my back area,” says he.

The treatment involves placing glass cups – which are heated with a mechanical pump – on the body. As the air inside the cup cools, a vacuum is created which makes the skin rise. The cups are usually placed for five minutes and are often moved across the skin slowly to create a massage-like effect. The suction flushes out toxins and is said to provide pain relief. Sometimes, it leaves behind telltale circular marks when the capillaries near the skin surface are broken. Cupping is usually done throughout multiple sessions for maximum efficacy.

Cupping therapy is popular as Al-Hijama in Egypt and Arabic countries. It is an intervention of Asian medicinal systems such as Unani, Ayurveda, Chinese, Tibetan, and Oriental Medicine in Asia, the Middle East, and European countries.The main aim of this therapy is the elimination of vitiated blood from the body, similar to cupping.

Depending on the issue to be dealt with and the comfort of the patient, they can choose between a wet cupping or a dry cupping procedure. Wet cupping, is a more invasive procedure where small, triangle-shaped incisions are made into the skin and a vacuum is created by placing a heated bell-shaped jar over them, the difference in air pressure draws out toxins and impure blood. “The treatment is mostly painless, the small lacerations on the skin hurt no more than a pinprick,” says Dr Ali, a certified cupping therapist in the city. Wet cupping is effective against a range of lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure and respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis to even acne.

Dry cupping, on the other hand, works by simply increasing blood circulation to the muscles and the skin. This makes it a less invasive choice and more apt for noncirculation issues such as migraines and muscle pain. Cupping also helps alleviate pain associated with tendonitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Although western medics have not fully understood the mechanics of cupping therapy, there is no denying the results. A 2019 study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, suggests that wet cupping actually helps the kidneys clear heavy metals from the body among other benefits, such as effectively reducing musculoskeletal pain, nonspecific low back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia and other painful conditions.

Cupping is also effective against gastrointestinal issues. From pH imbalances to constipation. “I suffered from digestive problems and after the tailored treatment, I’ve seen a vast improvement as I don’t suffer from bloating as much as before. I have had other therapies before, but never got the same level of results as with cupping therapy,” says Joseph, a patient of Dr Ali.

Dr Ali also uses cupping therapy to help patients cope with physical symptoms of mental illnesses. “Due to my GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), I suffered from a lot of tension headaches and digestive problems along with the occasional cramps and muscle tension. Cupping has helped me manage my symptoms better and lead a relatively painless life,” says Nabeel. Studies have proved cupping to be a sustainable treatment for stress-triggered maladies such as migraines and insomnia.

To Hasan, the detoxing benefits of cupping helped him quit a cigarette addiction. Alongside other traditional methods of quitting, he says it was cupping that had the biggest effect on him. “I felt like a new person! I felt active, more alert and stronger And I didn’t crave any more cigarettes afterwards,” he says.