Cupping therapy

Cupping therapy

🧴 Ayurvedic Perspective on Cupping Therapy (वस्त्यादान या रक्तमोक्षणसदृश चिकित्सा)

Although Cupping Therapy (known in Unani as Hijama) is not mentioned explicitly in classical Ayurvedic texts, its principles align very closely with Raktamokshana — one of the five primary detoxification therapies (Panchakarma) described in Ayurveda.

🩸 What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping involves the use of special suction cups placed on the skin to:

  • Draw impure blood

  • Remove deep-seated toxins (Ama)

  • Stimulate blood circulation

  • Relieve pain, stiffness, and inflammation

It is broadly categorized into:

  • Dry Cupping (No bloodletting, focuses on energy movement)

  • Wet Cupping (Bloodletting after suction, similar to Siravedha or Jalaukavacharana)

🪔 Cupping in Ayurvedic View: Comparison to Raktamokshana

Raktamokshana (Bloodletting) is one of the five core Panchakarma therapies (others being Vaman, Virechan, Basti, and Nasya). It aims to expel vitiated blood and balance Pitta dosha, which governs blood, heat, and metabolism.

Cupping is functionally similar to:

  • Siravedha – Puncturing a vein to release impure blood

  • Jalaukavacharana – Use of medicinal leeches to draw out vitiated blood gently

  • Alabu & Shringa – Traditional Ayurvedic suction tools used on localized areas

These methods are used for:

  • Chronic inflammatory conditions

  • Joint and muscle pain

  • Skin diseases

  • Migraine or vascular headaches