Women’s Health USA – September 2019

137

CUPPING

Gwyneth, Jen, Gaga, and even the

Biebs have been photographed

with what look like circular cup-

ping bruises. But even mere mor-

tals walk around today wearing

these purply patches like badges

of wellness. Dry cupping—in which

suction is applied to the skin for

several minutes to draw fluid and

oxygenated blood to the area—

is most of ten used to treat gen-

eral soreness. (Wet cupping,

which isn’t done as frequently,

is similar, except that blood is

removed by making small cuts

in the skin.)

There’s been some research

on cupping for pain relief, but

no clear evidence to prove it’s

effective, says Dr. Estores. And

while most docs say the treat-

ment is usually harmless and

might make your sore muscles

feel better, there is some risk

of infection (especially with

wet cupping), bleeding, and

even nerve damage—so it’s

worth asking an MD who knows

your body and charts to make

sure you’re in the clear as a

cupping candidate.

YELLOW: PROCEED WITH CAUTION

The following antidotes aren’t proven, but hold some promise.