Wet Cupping
Wet cupping is an old medical technique, which has been broadly applied for treatment of numerous conditions, such as acute/chronic inflammation, communicable diseases, and the immune system diseases. Nowadays, the interest in conventional cupping has been escalated with the increasing evidence that it may be effective in decreasing different types of pain. In cupping, a glass cup is used to create suction over a painful part, after making skin incisions. The suction of the “congested” blood out of the skin improves both lymphatic and blood circulation, hence relieve pain.
Cupping has been used for the treatment and cure of a wide range of conditions, such as hematological disorders, rheumatic conditions, arthritis, sciatica, and back pain. It can be also used for anxiety, and other physical and mental conditions. One study reported that compared with the standard care, cupping therapy significantly decreased pain, functional disability, and the use of pain medications within 3 months after treatment of their patients with low back pain.
Dry Cupping
Dry cupping involves using cups over the area to be treated and vacuum is created. This suction helps to relieve pain and improve blood circulation to that area. In effect, it acts as a deep tissue massage. Cupping therapy removes the extra fluids, loosens and moves up the connective tissue joints, directs the blood flow toward the skin and muscles, stimulates the peripheral nervous system, and reduces pain.
Cupping therapy is an ancient medical technique from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East culture. Each of the different techniques of glass creates a suction cup on the painful area. Dry or fire cupping is used for normal skin (intact skin), while in wet small incisions are made on the skin surface. Cupping is applied to increase local blood and lymph circulation and to relieve painful muscle tension.