What is Ventosa Cupping Therapy?

Ventosa cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese alternative treatment that uses local suctions on the skin to eliminate stagnation of the blood flow. It also promotes healing for a variety of  health conditions like colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, body pain, swelling and gastrointestinal disorders. It balances the qi and maintain a healthy physical well-being.

 

Types of Ventosa Cupping Therapy

The two main types of cupping therapy are dry cupping and wet cupping.

Dry cupping involves heating the cups inside with flammable substances like paper, alcohol or open flames; and quickly placing these warmed cups upside down on the skin. A spa attendant may sometimes apply herbal or medicated oils to the skin prior to the procedure to easily glide the cups around the meridians and acupoints.

As soon as the hot air pressure cools down, it constricts and pulls up the skin; creating a vacuum due to the lack of oxygen.

Mechanical and rubber suction pumps can also be alternately used to produce the same vacuum. Generally, these cups are left on the skin between five to ten minutes depending on the patient’s condition.

Wet cupping creates a mild suction by applying a heated pump or cup  on the skin for three minutes. After removing the cups, the practitioner performs minor incisions using a cupping scalpel.  He or she goes back to create a second suction to extract a small amount of blood (it is treated with antibiotics to avoid infection).

 

Is it safe to have this therapy?

Ventosa cupping therapy is generally safe, especially when done by accredited health practitioners. The normal reaction includes reddening of the skin which signals that the drawing out of blood circulation to the surface. It also creates a warm, tingling sensation after the session.

Expect to see dark markings on the skin due to the ruptured capillaries under the skin. The skin markings are generally painless and disappear within two days after the therapy.

There are instances, however, where health experts don’t recommend the cupping method. Patients with wounds or inflamed skin, convulsions, fever, metastatic cancer, as well as menstruating and pregnant women should not do any of this therapy.

American Cancer Society also warns cancer patients against skipping conventional medical treatment and opting for the cupping therapy to treat their health conditions. Doing so may have direct consequences on their health. Make sure to discuss this with your doctor before doing any ventosa cupping treatment.

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