Cupping

Question 1

What does cupping do?

Answer 1

Creates bruising that encourages inflammation and therefore healing

Draws blood to a point, meridian, or injury

Question 2

How does the bruising work?

Answer 2

Causes damage to the vessels to allow blood and nutrients to leave the vessels and enter the tissues

Question 3

When is cupping contraindicated?

Answer 3

If someone has an auto immune disease like lupus, multiple sclerosis

Flare ups

When someone is weak or fragile

Also not needed if someone already has swelling because there is already inflammation

Question 4

What are the four types of cupping?

Answer 4

Dry, wet, moving, flapping

Question 5

What is released in the blood stream when there is inflammation?

Answer 5

White blood cells, cytokines (signalling proteins that coordinate immune response).

Antibodies, antioxidants.

Question 6

What do anti-inflammatory medications do?

Answer 6

Reduce the pain by reducing inflammation

Question 7

Why is it not recommended to take inflammatory meds for normal pain?

Answer 7

Because reducing the inflammation can slow down the healing process.

Acute inflammation helps the body repair tissue and fight infection

Can make pain worse in the long term and lead to chronic pain

Question 8

How long do you keep the cups on for?

Answer 8

It depends on the person. Generally a few minutes but if the patient wants for longer then it’s important to keep an eye on the colour of the bruising

Question 9

Can you still do cupping for patients who take Warfarin?

Answer 9

It is okay if the patient has no visible bruising and does not bleed or bruise easily