Author: Michelle Roos, LMT and Paul Kohlmeier, BPE, RMT, R.Ac.
As more and more people discover the benefits of Cupping Therapy for themselves as well as their patients, a lot of questions come up as to when you can - and more importantly can NOT - treat with either Silicone or Vacuum Cups. Please see the following guidelines for when NOT to cup!
Just say no when:
- Cupping on or over varicose veins
- Cupping over skin lesions or inflammation
- Cupping over orifices, or eyes
- The patient has cancer
- The patient has organ failure - Renal, hepatic or cardiac
- The patients has a pacemaker
- The patient has hemophilia or similar bleeding disorder
Proceed with caution when treating a patient with the following - these are not absolute contraindications, but must be reviewed carefully before proceeding:
- Please be cautious with cupping over arteries, veins and nerves.
- Patients with acute infections
- Patients using anticoagulants - aspirin, warfarin, etc
- Patients with severe chronic disease (like heart disease)
- Patients that are pregnant, during puerperium or menstruating
- Patients who are anemic
- Patients who have recently given blood or undergone medical procedure
- Patients who do not consent
If you have any questions about a condition or situation and are unsure as to whether it is safe to proceed with Cupping Therapy, please feel free to email us at info@cuppingcanada.com and we would be happy to help!