Cupping therapy dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians were using cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) cupping is a method of creating a vacuum on the patient’s skin to dispel stagnation — stagnant blood and lymph, thereby improving Qi flow. Cupping also works by expanding the capillaries and increasing the amount of fluid entering and leaving tissues. Additionally, cupping pulls blood to a region to stimulate healing. It is effective at stretching tight fascia and muscles, helping the tissue develop new blood flow and stimulating the release of anti-inflammatory chemicals in the body. Cupping is generally painless and many say it is more effective than massage for muscle problems.

Benefits of Cupping

• Reduces PainCupping has been used to release tissues deep inside the body, relax tense muscles and ease stiffness associated with chronic back and neck pains, migraines, rheumatism, and fatigue. Some athletes have been known to use cupping therapy to naturally improve performance and reduce stiffness, muscle cramps, joint pains and scar tissue caused by injuries.
• Boosts Skin HealthCupping is used to reduce herpes, cellulite, acne and skin inflammation. It tones and firms skin by improving blood flow and expanding capillaries, making it popular among celebrities and people in the spotlight who want to appear to have toned skin. Because cupping improves blood flow and might help lower inflammation, some studies have found it to be equally or even more effective at treating acne compared to antibiotics. A meta-analysis of six studies showed that for improving acne, the cure rate of wet cupping was better than the cure rate following use of tanshinone, tetracycline and ketoconazole prescriptions.
• Improves DigestionAcupuncture and cupping are both popular ways to improve digestion and reduce symptoms from disorders like irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) The British Cupping Society, which promotes cupping and helps patients find qualified cupping practitioners, states that cupping therapy can treat a variety of conditions safely, including:
  • Respiratory infections
  • Blood disorders, such as anemia and hemophilia
  • Joint pain caused by arthritis and fibromyalgia
  • Migraine and tension headaches
  • Muscle aches and stiffness
  • Fertility and gynecological disorders
  • Skin problems such as herpes, eczema and acne
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Mental disorders, anxiety and depression
  • Food allergies and asthma

The first documented uses of wet cupping are found in the teachings of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. According to Muhammad al-Bukhari, Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj Nishapuri and Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Muhammad approved of the Hijama (cupping) treatment. A number of hadith support its recommendation and use by Muhammad. As a result, the practice of cupping therapy has survived in Muslim countries. Today, wet cupping is a popular remedy practiced in many parts of the Muslim world Medical and Scientific Bases of Wet Cupping Therapy (Al-hijamah) in Light of Modern Medicine and Prophetic Medicine