Not a Bruise… It’s Therapy!

Michael Phelps, an Olympic gold medalist, caught the attention of millions yet again in 2016. This time, however, it was not because he broke another world record; rather, it was these conspicuous bruise-like spots on his shoulders and back that stirred up curiosity and questions galore. Headlines the following day were mostly about what happened and what those marks were. Some even worried about the well-being of his health!

Everybody, myself included, sighed in relief when we realized that it was merely marks left from an ancient Chinese method of therapy, known as fire cupping (拔罐). What is fire cupping? The only materials needed for this process are either plastic or glass cups and a vacuum pump. The cups are placed normally on the back and using either heat or the vacuum pump, it draws the blood to the surface of the skin. With such an unsightly look, what makes this therapy stand out from the rest and become so popular with athletes and celebrities? Well, as painful as it may look, it is actually a painless and relaxing alternative to medicine. Other than relieving back tension and stiffness, fire cupping is believed to stimulate the flow of fresh blood, lymph and ‘qi’ (气) to affected area and remove toxins from the body. A research in Taiwan claimed its effectiveness in the relief of pain is mainly due to the rise of skin temperature which in turn increases blood flow. Despite the lack of scientific proof, fans of this ancient therapy date back 3,000 years and is increasing in number as many claims that it “feels amazing” and “eases sore muscles”. Some even says it reduces signs of cellulite!

If you are one of those courageous ones who would like to experiment this for yourself, please be sure to keep the precautions below in mind!

What to Avoid When Fire Cupping:

  1. Avoid an empty stomach or full stomach.
  2. Take care of all your bathroom needs in advance.
  3. Do not repeat on the same location daily.
  4. Do not repeat until all traces and scars from previous cupping diminishes completely.
  5. Cupping cannot be performed during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
  6. Do not take a shower or bath immediately after cupping.
  7. Cupping cannot be performed when experiencing fever, convulsions, or spasms.
  8. Cupping is not suitable for those with a history of ulcer and/or sensitive skin.
  9. Do not use cupping on lean muscles, uneven bones, or hairy spots.
  10. Lumbosacral (lower area of back) and abdomen should be used with caution.

In addition to the precautions above, here are a few common conceptions debunked:

Misconception 1:  Take a shower right after cupping.

Many find that taking a bath or shower right after getting fire cupping feels good. However, it is not the right thing to do.  Your skin is very weak at that time and a shower or bath may cause skin rashes or infection. A cold shower or bath is especially not good, as it is very easy to catch a cold since your glands are expanded.

Misconception 2:  The longer the better.

Many believe that the longer you leave the fire cups, the more effective it is.  This is not true.  As a matter of fact, if it is left on for too long, your skin may get damaged and may even lead to blisters. The suggested duration is around 10-15 minutes but for elderly or children, it should be halved.

Misconception 3:  Repeat this process on same spot.

If it does not work the first time, do not do it again on the same location. This will cause damage to your skin that may lead to swelling.

Misconception 4:  Use fire cupping on the chest and stomach.

Some feel that it is best to use the fire cupping therapy on where it hurts. This is a misconception. The most commonly used spots are around the waist, back, and shoulders.

Sources:

http://hottopic.chinatimes.com/cn/20150805003427-260804

https://www.vox.com/2016/8/8/12404556/rio-olympics-2016-cupping-michael-phelps-evidence

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16791/3-reasons-everyone-should-try-cupping.html

There are 28 comments

  1. Maya Yu

    Great job on the article, Hitomi! It was very insightful. I learned a lot about the practice of fire cupping. In addition, I learned about the misconceptions and what to avoid. Keep up the great work!

  2. Nicholas Yum

    Great work, Hitomi! Cupping is one of those phenomenons that captured everyone’s attention. The bright, bruise-like marks definitely grab your attention. Also, the practice’s physical benefits are quite significant. Great job!

  3. Larry D

    Besides not knowing what “cellulite” is, this article was very interesting and informative. I want to try cupping too.

  4. Logan C

    Awesome article. I remember watching Phelps in Rio and wondering about his weird marks were from. Now I know and am very intrigued by fire cupping!

  5. Jeff Bao

    Amazing article Hitomi! I’ve always seen relatives doing fire cupping, but never really knew what was the point. Thanks for the info and tips!

  6. Pritesh Patel

    Very informative article. I have seen a video of people doing fire cupping, but never knew why they did what they did. This helped a lot. Thanks!

  7. Ashley K

    Very informative and very interesting. I know there is a similar procedure in Korea, so I’ve actually tried this when I was young and it’s pretty nice.

  8. Nathan Davis

    Great article. This was very interesting and I learned so much that I would have never learned before.

  9. Joanna

    This was so interesting! I remember as a child going with my parents to their appointments where they got cup therapy. I was always confused as to what it was. It’s cool to learn more about it, and to see that even Michael Phelps uses this therapeutic method.

  10. Meghna Satheesh

    Great article! Last year in Chinese, we watched a movie that involved fire cupping, and I was always curious as to how it worked! Very informative!

  11. Spencer Gordon

    That’s really cool. I always fine it great when not just Chinese but all cultures respected and practiced around the world.

  12. Spencer Gordon

    That’s really cool. I always fine it great when not just Chinese but all cultures not talked about a lot respected and practiced around the world.

  13. Daryn N.

    This is so cool. I have heard about this before, but I never really thought about how much goes into it. Maybe I will be brave enough to try this interesting method one day.

  14. Rona Cao

    Interesting article! I didn’t know there were certain precautions. I have a fire cupping kit at home, and my mom uses it all the time!

  15. Jeffrey Z

    I’ve heard about fire cupping but never read anything about it. Great information on the therapy. Will you consider trying it if you got the opportunity?

  16. Andrew Zheng

    This is so cool. My friend loves to use this for her back injury and I have always wanted to try it out myself. This article definitely helped further inform me about cupping.

  17. Michael Lin

    Wow, I love Michael Phelps!!! I didn’t know that he did these traditional chinese methods!!! crazy!!!!!

  18. Amy Sheen

    It is very interesting to read about fire cupping although it looks very painful. Thank you for the information!

  19. Tiffany C

    Wow, I’ve seen many people who have fire cupped their backs, but I’ve always thought it was painful. Thanks for sharing.

  20. Water Murillo

    stupendous article, This was very interesting and I learned so much that I would have never learned before.

  21. Joanne Li

    Wow! I never knew that Michael Phelps had used fire cupping, and many of those misconceptions were particularly helpful. Nice article!

Comments are closed.