The Physiology of Wet cupping Therapy

Cupping induces increased blood circulation and relaxation.

A regular massage involves pushing down and compressing the tissues and muscles.

In complete contrast, cupping therapy pulls the tissues up. When the localised vacuum is created inside the cup, a powerful negative pressure literally sucks up the components within the tissues and muscles and causes vasodilatation. 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.

A 10 minute, heavy, massage cupping(Dry) session will increase the heart rate and be equivalent to walking a distance of 2 km! A patient can literally lie still on the table and have cupping done for one hour. Yet, when they leave, their internal physiology will be the same as a person who has done an aerobic workout at the gym!

 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 localised ‘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 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 Therapy (Hijamah), 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.

The body will eventually reach a state of equilibrium which in biological terms is known as a state of homoeostasis.

Dr. Abid Ali MD