By Paul Bailey MSc – Cert Ed - IGCT

Within the muscular-skeletal sector numerous therapists practice cupping therapy. Cupping as a long history and is thought to date back as early as 3000 BC [1, 2]. In general there are two methods, these being wet and dry. Wet involves the cutting of tissue to enable blood to flow into the cup itself. This method is not without risk. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that the practice carries a significant risk of bloodborne infections, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infections. With this in mind PAYGT practice and teach the use of dry cupping. Dry cupping does not break the skin and is said to be low risk [4]. 

Why use cupping?

Cupping is said to have the ability to;

• Reduce muscle tension and tightness
• Improve flexibility and joint ROM
• Increase localised circulation (blood & lymph)
• Reduce pain 

How is it done? 

In short the cup or cups are attached to the skin via a vacuum suction. This lifts the tissue or decompresses it. Suction causes stretching of the skin and dilation of the capillaries [5]. Several techniques are used;

• Cup or cups applied and kept in place (static/parked)
• Cup or cups applied kept in place but with body movement (active)
• Cup or cups applied and quickly removed and then reapplied (flashing)
• Cup slid along the tissue (gliding)

A 1-day workshop approved by the International Guild of Complementary Therapists (IGCT), is available through PAYGT. Please check out the CPD section of the website for additional information. 

About Paul Founder of PAYGT

Paul, has over 23 years of clinical/teaching experience. He has a Masters Degree, Several teaching qualifications and is a qualified assessor and internal, external quality assurer. Over his teaching career, he as taught courses in the following sectors;

• Fitness, Health and Therapy 
• Public Services
• Health and Social Care  

Paul has an avid interest in use of the many modality types used to treat dysfunctional and Injured tissue.   

References 

[1] https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/publications/cups-needles-and-noxious-blood

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28494847/

[3] https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(14)00946-8/fulltext

[4] https://hekint.org/2020/01/14/the-history-and-mystery-of-cupping/

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2303956/