Cupping marks are the discoloration left on the skin after cupping therapy sessions. Cupping is done traditionally to provide relief for a variety of health disorders.
Typically, the procedure involves using suction cupping sets to loosen and raise tissues to increase blood flow to the skin and muscles. However, after the therapy, bruises will most likely follow. Though not painful, these marks show the level of toxin accumulation and blood stagnation in the body.
This article will provide details on what cupping therapy is, the benefits, the marks, and how to get rid of cupping marks. Keep reading!
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is an alternative method of healing from ancient China.
In cupping therapy, inverted plastic, glass, or bamboo cups are used on certain parts of the body—usually, the acupuncture points.
The method of therapy has existed for a very long time.
Cupping therapy has become one of the most popular forms of traditional treatment for various health conditions such as inflammation, pain, blood flow, and general wellbeing.
Some people also get cupping therapy as a form of deep tissue massage.
Cupping therapy involves different types. Majorly, the dry and wet methods. For both ways, your therapists will use alcohol, paper, or any flammable substance to infuse heat onto the suction cup, and after the fire is out, they place the cup upside down on specific points on your body.
As the air cools inside the suction cup, it has the effect of a vacuum, and the result of that is the rising and redness of your skin as your blood vessels increase.
Usually, they leave the cup on for about 3 minutes. However, modern cupping therapists have figured other methods of creating the vacuum in the cup. Some therapists use rubber pumps. Also, some others use silicone cups that move around on the skin to imitate a massage effect.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is an effective and safe traditional treatment option that helps to relieve several conditions. Some of the benefits of cupping therapy are:
Increase Blood Circulation
As a result of the cups placed on the skin, suction is created, which increases blood circulation to those spots where the suction cups are placed. The flow of blood to those points can give relief from muscle tension and help repair damaged cells. Also, increased circulation of blood will help reduce cellulite on the body.
Release Toxins
There are indeed organs that aid the removal of toxins from the body. However, the body is constantly overloaded with toxins due to the modern lifestyle. Cupping helps the body release those toxins by ensuring blood flow which forces toxins out through your body’s lymphatic system.
Reduces Anxiety
The parasympathetic nervous system swings into action as the suction cups glide across the skin, thereby promoting the move of deep relaxation throughout the body.
Cupping therapy, therefore, aids in digestion, slowing your heart rate and boosting the performance of gland and intestinal activity.
Reduces Scars and Marks
The increase in blood flow helps your body get rid of toxins and eliminate edema, which is simply excess fluid in the body.
Cupping can help reduce or completely clear the appearance of scars on the body. The therapy has proven to clear stretch marks, even on areas far from the suction cup application.
Clears Congestion and Aids the Treatment of Asthma
Congestion, which is the accumulation of phlegm in the lungs, commonly caused by cold or asthma, can also be treated with cupping therapy. The suction from the cups relieves the buildup of phlegm, ousting congestion.
Cupping therapy aids the flow of blood rich in oxygen towards the lungs and other respiratory muscles.
Aids Digestion and Clears Colon Blockage
Cupping therapy engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which boosts blood flow to the digestive system.
When cupping therapy is done gently on the tummy, it also facilitates the digestive organs’ functionality. It helps alleviate indigestion, clear colon blockages, and encourage blood and body fluid movement through the organs.
What Causes Cupping Marks?
Cupping marks though ugly, are not bruises. Cupping marks are the blood from enlarged blood vessels beneath the skin. They are stagnant blood of pathogens that are moved to the surface of the skin after cupping therapy. While bruises hurt to touch, cupping marks are painless.
Not all forms of cupping therapies leave marks on the body, and the marks indicate various things. They give descriptions of what is going on inside the body.
After Cupping Care – How To Remove Marks
Cupping marks will naturally clear off after a few days. The result of the suction treatment requires no product application to remove scars. However, here are some helpful tips to aid faster removal of the cupping marks
Drink Enough Water
Water helps remove waste from the body after the cupping therapy has opened up the body.
Water aids the easy passage of toxins out of the body.
Stay Warm
It is vital to keep the cupped areas warm. Ensure to stay covered to protect your body and stay warm.
Rest
Cupping therapy may cause tiredness or a flu-like feeling.
It will help obtain rest because even though the feeling is temporary, the body needs to adjust to the cupping therapy.
Things To Avoid After Cupping
For some hours after the cupping therapy, it is essential to avoid the following:
- Alcohol, caffeine, sugars, processed meats, and dairy products.
Foods like this have properties that will slow down the healing process. So it is best to avoid them.
- Hot tubs, hot showers, saunas, and intense air conditioning.
The body does not require heat at this time because the parts where the cups were placed will be sensitive to temperature.
- Vigorous Exercises
- Cold Conditions.
Bottom Line
Cupping marks are almost unavoidable after a cupping therapy session. However, they are painless, and with little or no care, they will clear off after a while. It is advised to observe the tips already listed to help eliminate cupping marks and ensure an appropriate after-cupping routine. Visit the Ram Research homepage for more expert information & advice.
