Does Cupping Therapy Really Work?

How Does It Work?

After the cups have been left in place for three minutes, they're removed and the second part of the treatment is administered. During this phase, the therapist makes tiny cuts in the reddened area of the skin with a small surgeon's scalpel. When the cups are again placed over those same areas of skin, the suctioning process draws out small amounts of blood, as well as expanding the blood vessels. In a patient's first session, the therapist may only apply three to five cups at one time, however, up to seven cups may be applied during subsequent sessions. Once each session is over, the therapist applies an ointment over the treated areas and covers them with a bandage. Because it can take up to ten days for these areas to heal, it's important to guard against infection. When prospective clients ask their therapist how does it work, they're often surprised to discover the treatment involves much more than they assume. They're also surprised to discover the vast benefits it provides to their bodies.

Uncover the history of cupping therapy next.