Cupping Therapy in Ayurveda - Indian Medical System
Ayurveda
is a rich science which has various time tested methods for pain management
without medicines. Though Ayurveda had abundant examples of potent analgesics with a prevalence of western modern science, all vanished or have been banned
by the government, marking those medicines as illegal as many of them are used
as substance abused drugs. Therefore in recent decades, Ayurvedic physicians
switched on to para-surgical procedures like leech therapy, Alabuchikitsa, Agnikarma, Marmachikitsa,
etc. Shrunga and Alabu are types of cupping that have been described as
different treatment modalities for bloodletting in different vitiated doshas. Alabuchikitsa
which is commonly known as Cupping therapy is the oldest & most globally
practiced medical treatment in human history. It is a traditional,
time-honored treatment that remains favored by millions of people all over
the world. It is a gentle therapy that uses negative pressure helping to loosen
adhesions & draining fluids & toxins from the muscles & body. It
brings a flow of fresh blood & nutrients to the muscles & skin. Cupping
is incredibly effective for many health problems and is well described in our
Samhitas especially SushrutaSamhita as below:
अवगाढे जलौका स्यात प्रच्छनं पिण्डिते हितं!
शिरान्गव्यपके रक्ते
शृङ्गालाबु त्वचि स्थिते !!
It means when the infected blood
is seated in the deepest planes/tissues, it should be let out by using the
shrunga (horn). Horn of cow should be used. There are many uses n indications
given in diseases where vata or pitta is vitiated. It can also be used in the
patients of abscesses at various sites, skin disorders, etc. Cupping Therapy is
a gentle therapy that uses negative pressure. The negative pressure releases
tight tissues helping to loosen adhesions & draining fluids & toxins
from the muscles & body. It brings a flow of fresh blood & nutrients to
the muscles & skin. It is a safe & comfortable therapy, yet is very
powerful & at the same time very relaxing. There are 2 types of cupping-
dry and wet cupping which are further sub-divided into various advanced forms like
massage cupping, fire cupping, etc. Cupping has gained publicity due to its use
by American sport celebrities including National
Football League player DeMarcus Ware and
Olympians Alexander Naddour,
Natalie
Coughlin, and Michael Phelps
and the numbers are huge. More and more people in the Western world are turning
to ancient medical techniques like this. Cupping is also practiced at Harvard
medical school and Johns Hopkins medical centre, two of the most prestigious
medical centres in the world. It is clearly evident that this therapy has
successfully survived the test of time and is really beneficial. But limited
research has been done in INDIA to authenticate its benefits scientifically and
more sincere efforts are required to explore this wonderful therapy. It should
be used clinically more often and taught liberally to benefit ailing
humanity.
Dr
Rekha Phull
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