In today's world, where health and wellness are increasingly prioritized, many individuals seek effective ways to manage their weight. Among the diverse range of approaches, cupping therapy, an ancient Chinese technique, has emerged as a popular complementary method for weight loss. This article explores the potential benefits of cupping for weight loss, how it works, and what to expect from the therapy.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine that involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. The cups may be made of glass, bamboo, earthenware, silicone, or plastic. This suction draws the skin and superficial muscle layer upward, encouraging blood flow and stimulating the body's natural healing processes. People seek cupping therapy for various reasons, including pain and inflammation relief, relaxation, well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.
A Brief History
Cupping therapy dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. The Ebers Papyrus from 1550 B.C., one of the oldest medical textbooks, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy for treating fever, pain, vertigo, menstrual problems, and other ailments. The Egyptians introduced cupping to the ancient Greeks, who used it as a cure for almost every illness. In traditional Chinese medicine, cupping is closely linked to acupuncture. The Islamic Prophet Muhammad also recommended cupping in his writings, where he called it hijama. Originally, hollowed-out animal horns were used to treat boils and suck out venom from snake bites. Eventually, horns were replaced by bamboo and then by glass cups.
Cupping was widely used in Europe and America until the 1800s, when it fell out of favor as the practice of medicine became more scientific and focused on treating illnesses from the inside out. However, the practice has seen a resurgence in recent years, with many people seeking its potential benefits.
Types of Cupping
The two main types of cupping are:
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- Dry Cupping: This simple method is preferred in the West because it's easy to do and doesn't involve blood. The therapist applies the cups to the skin, compressing them with their hands, a pump, or a flame if using glass cups. They may apply lotion first. The cups are left in place for 5-10 minutes and can be done as often as once or twice a week.
- Wet Cupping: In wet cupping, the therapist first creates a mild suction by leaving a cup on the back for about 3 minutes. They remove the cup and use a small scalpel to make light, tiny cuts on the skin. Next, they do a second suction to draw out a small quantity of blood and might leave those cups in place for 10-15 minutes. After treatment, an antibiotic ointment and bandage are applied to prevent infection, and the skin should look normal again within 10 days. Wet cupping can be repeated every 4-8 weeks.
How Cupping Works for Weight Loss
Cupping is believed to activate the circulatory and lymphatic systems, increasing blood flow and aiding in the detoxification process. This increased circulation can reduce inflammation, improve metabolism, and stimulate the breakdown of fat cells. In cupping therapy for weight loss, suction cups are often moved from place to place along the body to target specific areas that require attention, helping break down stubborn fat deposits and reduce cellulite in those areas.
The Process in Detail
Cupping is a safe and painless procedure that involves using suction cups to create a vacuum effect on the skin. The suction created by the cups causes the skin to rise and redden as the blood vessels expand. Traditionally, the cups are left in place for about 10 minutes to allow for maximum benefits, but some therapists may move them around as they work their way up the body. This technique is said to help target stubborn fat cells and diminish the appearance of cellulite.
Acupoints and Weight Loss
In traditional Chinese medicine, the body is thought to be composed of pathways that connect various organs and systems. These pathways are known as meridian lines, and specific points along these meridians are called acupoints. Acupressure is a therapy that involves applying gentle pressure to specific acupoints to stimulate and balance energy flow throughout the body. This same principle applies to cupping, as certain acupoints are thought to be connected to a person's weight and appetite. By stimulating acupoints around the abdomen and hips, cupping can help break down fat cells and reduce cellulite in those areas, balance the body's hormones, stimulate digestion, and promote healthy weight loss.
Cupping and Qi
Cupping therapy can cause the free movement of the qi in the patient’s body by creating suction on specific points where the qi might stagnate, thus promoting weight loss. A common practice therapists might use massage or gliding cupping by creating suction and then moving the cup over the skin of the problem area. This type of cupping is usually done by silicone cups due to the ease of moving them across the skin and the benefit of not using a flame or pump based cupping set. Another effective form of therapy is Hijama, which is the Islamic form of wet cupping where the blisters or welts arising from suction are opened using a lancet. Next, using another suction cup, a small amount of toxic blood and fluids are drawn from the skin to further remove blockages in the flow of healing energy of the body.
Chinese cupping and medicinal practices believe that weight gain and obesity are caused when the liver and spleen do not function optimally. The spleen controls the movements of the digestive system, directs the digestion of food and conversion of food and fluids into energy or “qi.” The spleen then directs this energy to all the parts of the body. The patient also experiences feeling of heaviness, water retention, slowed metabolism, and fatigue. In addition, stress can cause the liver to imbalance leading to food cravings and uncontrolled eating. Proper stimulation from cupping therapy can result in the release of stress and anxiety, eliminate water retention, remove toxins from the body, stimulate the digestive system, control food cravings, promote effective metabolism and bowel movements. All these factors when combined lead to weight loss in the patient’s body.
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Cupping Points for Weight Loss
Using the chart of Hijama points, the recommended cupping points for weight loss are points 1, 55, 9, 10, 120, 49, and in particular, any areas of desired weight loss.
Benefits of Cupping for Weight Loss
While cupping for weight loss may not replace diet and exercise, it offers a gentle, holistic way to support the body’s natural fat-burning processes. It helps the body function better by improving blood circulation, stimulating the digestive system, and reducing stress, which often leads to emotional eating. The vacuum effect activates the lymphatic system, draws out toxins, and increases oxygen flow to the tissues. Cupping helps address the root causes of stubborn weight, such as hormonal imbalances, poor circulation, sluggish metabolism, and toxin buildup.
Additional Benefits
Beyond weight loss, cupping therapy offers several other potential benefits:
- Pain Management: Cupping can stimulate large nerve fibers, blocking pain signals to the brain.
- Acne Treatment: Cupping may reduce inflammatory substances and increase the production of substances to improve the immune system, potentially helping with skin conditions like acne.
- Stress Relief: Cupping can relieve stress and tension, which many times is a factor in weight gain. By relieving stress, cupping can help reduce the temptation to turn to comfort eating and aid in maintaining a healthy weight.
- Improved Circulation: Cupping increases blood flow to the area being treated, accelerating the natural healing processes of the body. This decreases inflammation and boosts the immune system.
What to Expect During and After a Cupping Session
A typical cupping session begins with a short assessment to determine areas of focus and any physical discomfort or tension. During the treatment, the suction creates a pulling sensation on the skin, which many describe as tight or warm. This feeling is often followed by a sense of release or lightness in the treated area.
Marks from Cupping
Cupping can leave circular marks on the skin, but they should not be painful. The marks are typically reddish or purple and should disappear in a few days, usually fading over time, in about 1-10 days. These marks are a common side effect of applying suction cups to the skin and are signs of stagnation and blocked circulation being brought to the surface. If you have to go to your doctor before the bruises have healed, let them know that the marks aren't due to physical abuse.
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After the Session
After a cupping session, you'll probably see round red marks on your skin, which should fade in a week or two. Your therapist may advise you to drink lots of water (to flush out toxins), stay warm, and rest. You may feel a little tired as if you're fighting a minor illness.
Combining Cupping with Other Therapies
To get the most out of cupping for weight loss, it’s important to pair treatments with healthy dietary habits that support circulation and digestion. Cupping works best when included in a broader wellness routine and pairs well with practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, movement therapies, and nutrition strategies that support digestion and metabolic function. Supporting the body’s natural detoxification, reducing inflammation, and promoting smoother energy flow are all key components of this approach.
Acupressure
Acupressure can help reduce stress, improve digestion, and increase metabolism. Certain pressure points may also affect appetite and glucose levels, making the practice a useful tool for weight loss along with diet and exercise.
Acupressure Points for Weight Loss
- Zusanli: Located along the stomach meridian, zusanli is believed to influence the organs of the upper abdomen, the parasympathetic nervous system (which controls digestion), and the overall energy of the body.
- Sanyinjiao: Located along the spleen meridian, sanyinjiao is thought to influence the organs of the lower abdomen and the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Zhongwan: This point is along the conception vessel meridian. Zhongwan is believed to influence the organs of the upper abdomen, as well as those related to digestion, such as the stomach and intestines.
- Renzhong: Located along the governing meridian, renzhong is thought to have an influence on weight, especially obesity.
- Xuehai: Located along the spleen meridian, xuehai is believed to have an impact on blood sugar levels, particularly in the context of diabetes.
Is Cupping Safe?
Cupping is fairly safe, as long as you go to a trained professional. However, some mild side effects may occur after a cupping session, such as:
- Mild discomfort
- Burns
- Bruises
- Skin infection
If the cups and equipment become contaminated with blood and aren't sterilized correctly between patients, bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis B and C can be spread. Burns from fire cupping are a hazard but seem to be rare.
Contraindications
Cupping is not suitable for everyone. You should probably avoid cupping if you have:
- Cancer
- Organ failure
- Hemophilia or other blood clotting disease
- A pacemaker
- Cardiovascular disease
- High cholesterol
- An infection
You should also avoid cupping if you're pregnant, menstruating, elderly, under 18, or taking a blood thinner. Also, if your skin is scraped, oozing, or infected, this can increase the chance of blood clotting.
Research and Studies on Cupping for Weight Loss
While anecdotal evidence and traditional medicine practices suggest that cupping can aid in weight loss, it is essential to examine the scientific research on the topic.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2023 in the journal Medicine evaluated the efficacy of cupping for metabolic syndrome (MetS). The review included five studies involving 489 patients and revealed that cupping therapy had a significant effect on waist circumference, body weight, and body mass index (BMI). It also significantly lowered the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, there were no significant results in total fat percentage, blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. The review concluded that cupping therapy could be considered a safe and effective complementary intervention for reducing waist circumference, body weight, body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with MetS.
Additional Studies
Another systematic review and meta-analysis of the anti-obesity effect of cupping therapy also supports these findings. These studies suggest that cupping may be an effective tool for aiding weight loss, particularly when combined with lifestyle changes.
Limitations
It is important to note that the research on cupping and weight loss is still limited, and many of the existing studies have limitations, such as small sample sizes and potential biases. More well-designed, high-quality studies are needed to fully assess the efficacy and safety of cupping therapy for weight loss.
Finding a Qualified Practitioner
To experience the full benefits of cupping, it’s important to work with a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner or a certified cupping therapist. When performed by a trained professional, cupping is not only safe but also highly effective in supporting detoxification, improving circulation, and aiding weight management. Make sure that your provider/therapist is cleaning and sterilizing the equipment they use between sessions or using disposable cups and blades.
Questions to Ask
Talk extensively with your cupping therapist before you try it. Ask:
- What conditions do you use cupping for?
- What is your training?
- What is your experience in using it?
- Are there reasons I shouldn't get cupping?
Cupping at Home
Yes, you can give yourself cupping therapy. Many kits are available containing plastic, silicone, or glass cups. However, it is recommended to stick with plastic or silicone cups, as glass cups need to be heated to be applied and are too dangerous for beginners to use. Plastic ones usually come with a pump, while silicone cups are for doing massage cupping, which involves moving the cups around. You can learn how to use cups by reading books, watching videos, or following instructions online. However, it is important to let your doctor know you intend to try this therapy, as you might have a health problem that could make cupping a bad idea.
The Role of the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is an important hormone-secreting gland and can be a vital component to obesity. It plays a vital role in the metabolism, growth, and developmental processes of the human body. It helps to supervise many body processes by continual secretion of a regular amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. If the body requires more energy in specific functions for example, if it is maturing or cold, or during pregnancy, the thyroid gland release more hormones. It has been understood for a very long time that there is a problematic connection between thyroid disease, body weight, and metabolism. The thyroid hormone performs the metabolism process in humans.
Lifestyle Changes for Weight Loss
Every overweight person should make some changes in their lifestyle to get rid of extra fat from the body. According to most healthcare professionals, exercise is taking a great part in reducing weight, leading to diseases. The standard and highly recommended dietary management for obesity are to avoid less healthy fatty foods and dairy products. It is also recommended to increase the proportion for lower energy-dense foods, fruits, and vegetables. Cutting the number of unhealthy fats from your daily routine is key to reducing weight. Start simply making the right choices when you eat. Cut back and eventually remove any sugar form your diet; reduce carbs as much as possible; choose healthy fats whenever you can and stop eating fried foods; drop your portion sizes; starting eating fiber rich foods such as oats which will help to keep you feeling full for longer. Avoid smoking because it causes stiffness in fat muscles and increases stroke chances by forming clots in the blood and increasing your blood pressure. Secondly, follow a healthy diet plan with fewer fats, include vegetables and fruits, take healthy fresh juices and carbohydrates.