P. Sze 
Cupping Is a traditional therapy that has its roots in ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern cultures. The practice itself is a relatively simple and low cost, but the benefits that this therapy touts are widespread and numerous. Readers might be surprised to know that cupping therapy is routinely practiced by multiple celebrities and athletes as well!
These include the Olympic gold medalist swimming champion Michael Phelps, Alex Naddour, and Natalie Coughlin, alongside celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, Lena Dunham, and Victoria Beckham. So what exactly is cupping? Why is it so famous? Read on to find out more about this well-known ancient technique and a miracle cure for varicose veins that everyone is raving about.
How Cupping Therapy Works
There are two types of cupping therapies that are commonly practiced:
- Dry cupping
- Wet cupping
Dry cupping is the more straightforward form of the two kinds of cuppings.
It involves placing suction cups on specific points of a person’s body, depending on the target of the treatment. The suction cups create a steady pull on the person’s skin and internal vessels, causing more blood to flow to that area. This improves the overall circulation of that particular area and allows the release and drainage of excess fluid and toxins as well.
Wet cupping, on the other hand, involves making small incisions on the skin, with a sterile instrument, before placing the suction cups on the person’s skin. This process is excellent for improving blood flow to certain areas of the skin, but it also takes away accumulated blood and excess fluid for areas of edema.
However, it is essential that wet cupping is only practiced by professionals in a clean and sterile environment with properly sterilized instruments and where all infection control protocols are followed.
Cupping for Varicose Veins
A varicose vein is a condition that is often found in the elderly, pregnant ladies, and even soldiers or other individuals who have to stand for long hours on end. People develop varicose veins when the semilunar valves in the veins fail to keep the blood flow moving effectively. This condition most often occurs in the legs and causes blood to pool in that particular area, often leading to swelling, edema, dull pain, and fatigue in the legs. Over the years, many different treatments have been proposed for varicose veins. However, they all have their limitations and aren’t always successful.
Cupping for Varicose veins is quickly gaining recognition as more and more people advocate for the treatment from their personal experiences. The practice is safe, effective, and has little to no side effects. Both dry and wet cupping techniques can be used to treat varicose veins.
Dry cupping is a painless and straightforward procedure done using massage cups or gliding cups, that can be done at home as well. Follow these steps to do effective dry cupping at home:-
- You start by rinsing, drying, and lightly exfoliating the area you intend on cupping. Remember, it is best to remove any body hair from the area so that they don’t hinder suction or gliding of the cups.
- Next, you apply a tiny amount of your favorite gel, cream, or essential oil to the area. This will help the cups glide over your skin more smoothly and improve circulation flow quickly.
- Then take your suction cup, and either squeeze it to create a small vacuum or connect it to a small vacuum pump, before placing it down on the cupping area.
- Gently glide over the varicose veins and spider veins in a zigzag pattern, directing all the blood flow upwards. Do not pull downwards, and only use unidirectional, upwards motions.
- Repeat the previous step over all the spider and varicose veins.
- Once you’re done, massage the area with your hands using gentle pressure before washing it with lukewarm water.
Wet cupping is usually reserved for more acute cases since it involves puncturing the skin and then applying suction cups with slightly more suction power to effectively draw out old, deoxygenated blood, excess fluid, and toxins from the area. The suction effectively removes accumulated fluid and draws in fresh blood to the area.
Products Used In Cupping For Varicose Veins
Cupping Therapy mostly utilizes specialized glass-like plastics and silicone cups for treatment. The glass cups often have tubes and a low power suction motor attached to them as well. Here are our favorite suction cups and sets used for cupping therapy.
Hansol Bu-hang Massage Professional Cupping
Hansol is a medical equipment company so that you can be sure of the quality of this cupping set. This professional cupping set is rated highly and a favorite with cupping professionals all over the world because it is made with premium medical grade materials.
Cupping Therapy Sets by AIKOTOO
They were made with medical-grade plastic to ensure excellent quality and controlled treatment. These Vacuuming cups are easy to carry, easy to use, and highly effective.
S. Choi Corp Cupping Set
K.S. Choi Corp’s cupping set is made from engineered plastics that are safe to use, easy to clean, and disinfect. The set comes in an elegant carrier that makes traveling with it super-efficient.
Healthcom Acupuncture Cupping Therapy Set
This silicone set by Healthcom is a highly rated cupping set that uses flexible silicone cups to create a natural, sustained suction. This set is highly effective, yet light enough to be used more regularly.
Conclusion
A varicose vein is a common condition that affects numerous people around the world. Although not life-threatening, it can lead to progressively worsening pain and discomfort. Cupping for varicose veins is a treatment that has been around for quite some time, but has recently gained recognition due to its endorsement by celebrities and other famous people. The procedure is safe, effective, and has almost no side effects.
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