Can Cupping Cause Blood Clots?

Cupping therapy is an ancient healing technique used to ease pain by placing cups on the body, creating suction that pulls the skin upward. Originating in China and West Asia, this practice has existed for thousands of years. According to Cedars-Sinai Medicine, the practice was used in ancient times to address lung issues such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Today, it's primarily used to relieve pain from conditions such as arthritis, back pain, asthma, and migraines.

Fast-forward thousands of years, and cupping gained popularity again after superstar swimmer Michael Phelps displayed its characteristic marks during the 2016 Olympics, as did actress Gwyneth Paltrow on the red carpet of a movie premiere. This exposure sparked questions about its safety and potential effects on blood clots.

In this blog, we'll delve into the current scientific understanding and address common concerns regarding this traditional therapy, particularly regarding blood clots. It's crucial to note that while cupping has potential benefits, it also carries some risks, particularly for those with certain health conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying cupping or any other alternative therapy.

What is Cupping?

A provider, such as a chiropractor, massage therapist, physical therapist, acupuncturist, or even some medical doctors, places cups made of glass, plastic, silicone, bamboo, or ceramic on the back, stomach, arms, legs, or other parts of the body. This creates a vacuum or suction force inside the cup that pulls the skin upward.

The intention is to draw blood to or away from specific areas of the body. It is believed to promote healing, relieve pain, and help with chronic health issues such as arthritis, back and neck pain, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, migraines, and high blood pressure. Cupping is also used to treat muscle soreness, back and neck pain, fertility issues, and skin conditions like acne. Some practitioners claim it can help with a wide range of other health issues, from lowering cholesterol to improving immune function.

There are two main types of cupping:

1. Dry cupping: This method uses suction alone to pull the skin into the cup.
2. Wet cupping: This involves making minor cuts in the skin before applying the cups, allowing small amounts of blood to be drawn out.

The Relationship Between Cupping and Blood Flow

One of the primary effects of cupping is increased blood flow to the treated area. The suction created by the cups draws blood to the surface of the skin, causing characteristic circular marks that can last for days or even weeks. This increased blood flow is thought to be one of the main mechanisms by which cupping may provide therapeutic benefits.

Based on the search results, cupping therapy appears to have several effects on blood circulation:

1. Increased local blood flow: Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This improved blood flow may help relieve muscle tension, promote cell repair, and form new connective tissues and blood vessels in the treated area.
2. Improved peripheral circulation: Cupping is believed to promote blood flow in the skin and tissues close to the surface, improving peripheral (close to the skin) blood circulation.
3. Increased shear force: The peak skin blood flow after cupping indicates the shear force of blood acting on the vascular wall. Higher negative pressures during cupping tend to cause larger increases in blood flow.
4. Stimulation of blood vessels: The suction from cupping may stimulate blood vessels, improving overall circulation.
5. Systemic effects: While cupping is applied locally, it may have systemic effects on blood circulation throughout the body. This is thought to contribute to its potential benefits for various health conditions.
6. Enhanced lymphatic flow: In addition to improving blood circulation, cupping is also believed to enhance lymphatic flow, which plays a role in immune function and removing toxins from the body.

Can cupping improve varicose veins?

Because, anecdotally, cupping is associated with increased blood flow by bringing more oxygen-rich blood to affected areas, some have made the leap in logic that varicose veins could be improved using the technique. However, when it comes to varicose veins, the effectiveness of cupping therapy is not well-supported by scientific evidence.

Varicose veins, enlarged, twisted veins often appearing on the legs, occur due to weakened or damaged valves in the veins. This leads to blood pooling and increased pressure within the veins. If you are considering cupping therapy for varicose vein relief, it's essential to consult with a vein specialist. They can discuss the potential benefits and risks and explore proven evidence-based treatment options.

ScienceDirect advises against wet cupping over large veins such as varicose veins, adding that cupping therapy is contraindicated in all stages of acute infectious conditions and diseases.

Vein specialists recommend a variety of safe, effective outpatient treatment options to treat the symptoms associated with varicose veins, including swelling, itching, heavy legs, and bulging veins.

These advanced, minimally invasive medical treatments for varicose veins include:

• Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy: Using sound waves to pinpoint a problem vein, a foamed medication is injected into it, causing it to close. Blood flow reroutes to healthy veins, and the body absorbs the closed vein over time.
• Laser Treatments: Both radiofrequency ablation and laser ablation use thin catheters inserted into the vein. The key difference lies in the energy source used for heating the vein tissue. Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves to heat and close the vein, while laser ablation uses a laser fiber for the heating process. In both procedures, the body reabsorbs the closed vein, and blood flow naturally redirects to healthy veins nearby.
• VenaSeal: This newer option uses medical adhesive instead of heat to close the vein. It may be a good choice for some people.
• Varithena: A qualified vein doctor injects a special microfoam into the affected veins, causing veins to collapse and reroute blood flow to healthier ones. This procedure is quick, practically pain-free, and requires minimal recovery time.

Ready to take control of your leg health? Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), America's largest physician-led vein center, offers a wide range of treatments at over 110 convenient locations nationwide. Their expert, board-certified vein doctors are dedicated to providing compassionate and affordable care to help you achieve the results you're looking for.

Call 240-965-3915 to schedule a consultation with a CVR specialist near you, or SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION HERE.

Can Cupping Cause Blood Clots?

While the therapy is generally considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner, there are concerns and potential risks, especially for individuals with certain health conditions. While there is currently no scientific evidence suggesting that traditional cupping directly increases the risk of blood clots, there are some key points to consider:

Potential Risks of Cupping:

1. Bruising and Skin Irritation: The suction created by cupping can cause significant bruising and irritation on the skin. This is generally harmless but can be uncomfortable.
2. Skin Infections: Skin infections can occur if the skin is broken or if the cups and equipment are not properly sterilized.
3. Burns: Fire cupping (a form of cupping that uses heat) can cause burns if not done correctly.

Risk of Blood Clots:

The risk of cupping causing blood clots is generally considered low, but it's not entirely nonexistent. Here are some considerations:

1. Localized Blood Flow: Cupping increases blood flow to the cupped areas, which can cause blood to pool and may theoretically increase the risk of clot formation, especially in individuals predisposed to clotting disorders.
2. Bruising and Hematoma: The bruising caused by cupping results from blood vessels breaking under the skin, which might theoretically pose a risk of clot formation, particularly if the person has underlying vascular conditions or is prone to blood clots.

Potential Risks and Precautions

While cupping doesn't appear to increase the risk of blood clots, it's not entirely without risks. Some potential side effects include:

• Skin discoloration (usually temporary)
• Mild discomfort during the procedure
• Rare cases of skin infections

It's important to note that cupping should always be performed by a trained professional using sterile equipment. People with certain health conditions, such as blood disorders or skin conditions, should consult with their healthcare provider before trying cupping.

Cupping and Vein Health

When considering any therapy for vein health, it's crucial to look at it in the context of overall lifestyle and health practices. While cupping may have some potential benefits, it should not be seen as a replacement for proven strategies for improving or maintaining vein health, such as:

• Regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding prolonged sitting or standing
• Wearing compression stockings if recommended by your doctor
• Minimally invasive outpatient treatment options

Cupping vs. Advanced Vein Care

While cupping has garnered celebrity interest, its potential benefits for circulation and vein health remain speculative. Caution is advised, particularly for those with pre-existing health issues or concerns about clotting. Consulting a healthcare professional before considering cupping is crucial to evaluating individual risks and benefits.

It's important to remember that if you want to pursue alternative therapies like cupping, it should complement rather than replace evidence-based medical care. Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) offers proven solutions tailored to your needs.

Here's what makes CVR the best choice for your leg health and comfort:

• Comprehensive care: CVR offers a variety of treatment options to address all types of vein issues.
• Compassionate approach: The CVR team understands the physical and emotional toll vein problems can take and is dedicated to providing a positive patient experience.
• Affordable solutions: They work with most insurance companies to make treatment accessible. Cosmetic procedures are priced 50 to 70 percent below other providers.

Don't wait! Take charge of your leg health and comfort today. Book online or call 240-965-3915 to schedule a consultation with a CVR vein specialist near you.