Farhana Cassim, a Cupping therapist, explains the benefits of Cupping therapy, highlighting the good it does for people living with diabetes.
What is Cupping therapy?
Cupping is a safe, non-invasive and inexpensive technique that has been practiced since ancient times. It’s used to alleviate the pain and discomfort arising from disorders of internal organs, and muscle spasms, joint pains, diabetic neuropathy and numerous other conditions. There are three types of Cupping: Dry-, Wet- and Massage Cupping.
After a long period of neglect, Cupping was revived in the Islamic age. Strict adherence to rules of application was demanded, with close attention to timing and patient condition. Traditional healers in many parts of the world use Cupping or versions of it in their healing repertoire. The technique has historically been used by practitioners of conventional medicine for many centuries to treat a range of diseases. It’s also an important aspect of traditional Chinese medicine.
How does it work?
Cupping causes the tissues beneath the cup to be drawn up and swell. This increases blood flow to the affected area. This enhanced blood flow under the cup draws impurities and toxins away from the nearby tissues and organs to the skin.
The release of the vacuum redirects toxic blood that had pooled at the site and redirects it to other areas of the body, thus allowing fresh blood to replace it. This facilitates the healing process. Localised and deep-tissue healing takes place.
Cupping diverts toxins and impurities from important organs, such as the liver or kidney, to the upper surface of the body.
In Dry Cupping, the toxins are brought to the underlying skin. In Wet Cupping, the toxins are brought out of the body, onto the surface of the skin. This process strengthens the immune system, so encouraging the optimum functioning of the body.
The benefits
Cupping assists the liver by increasing blood perfusion, so removing the metabolic load imposed by the disease and perhaps any drugs used to treat the disease. It also supports the immune system, by acting on the reticuloendothelial system to help it in opposing the actions of invading microbes. In addition, Cupping supports the nervous system, by helping to reverse ischaemia (reduced blood flow), which can lead to conditions characterised by cerebral metabolic insufficiency, such as memory disturbances, epilepsy and emotional conditions.
It supports the renal system, by helping to reverse the ischaemia which underlies many disorders. Cupping is also involved in the release of cortisol and serotonin, important mediators in pain and stress. Added to that, it also stimulates meridians, and releases biological opioids called endorphins.
Clinical value
The benefits have been extensively researched and documented. Cupping is recommended for people with recurring, refractory headaches, skin disorders, stomach pain, boils; disorders of the heart and circulation, such as varicose veins and hypertension; joint and neck pains, for example, arthritis and rheumatism; diarrhoea and vomiting; menstrual cramps; bronchitis; colds; asthma; infertility; impotence; and haemorrhoids, amongst other ailments.
The clinical benefits of Cupping continue for several days after the procedure. These are for most ailments that effect a large number of diabetic patients.
The use of whichever form of Cupping is at the discretion of the practitioner.
Studies in people with diabetes
Diabetic patients (Type 2) that were treated with Cupping therapy, the results showed that blood glucose levels were lowered consistently in almost all experimental patients subjected to Cupping, when comparing blood glucose levels before (mean 11.98 ± 10.11SD) and after (9.86 ± 8.93 SD).
On quality of life issues, people with diabetes showed substantial improvement in patient health parameters when the final cupping session was compared to the initial one. The majority of patients showed an increase in energy levels and improvement in sleeping habits.
Although Cupping is not a cure for diabetes, it can assist by detoxing the body and blood by reducing the toxic accumulated waste in the body and improving blood circulation. Cupping also assists in cleansing the blood and cells, resolving stagnation and blood stasis in the body.
Diabetes can make it difficult to control your blood pressure and cholesterol, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke and other serious conditions. Cupping increases blood flow in the body and improves circulation; it also reduces blood pressure and cholesterol when performed regularly.
MEET THE EXPERT
Farhana Cassim is a Hijama Cupping therapist certified via Hijama Association South Africa. She is passionate about bringing benefit to mankind, your health is your wealth. Cupping 4 Cure
Header image by Adobe Stock