Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, either through heat (fire cupping) or mechanical devices (pumps). It aims to increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing. It’s rooted in traditional Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern medicine.

Dry Cupping: Suction only, no blood involved. Wet Cupping (Hijama): Involves small incisions to draw blood during suction.Massage Cupping: Cups are moved across the skin with oil for a massage-like effect.Needle Cupping: Combines acupuncture with cupping. Facial Cupping: Uses small cups on the face for cosmetic benefits.

It’s used for pain relief (e.g., back, neck, knee pain), headaches, migraines, muscle tension, stress, anxiety, and sometimes respiratory or digestive issues. Some claim benefits for skin conditions, hypertension, and sports recovery, but evidence is limited and often of low quality.

Generally, it’s not painful, though some feel discomfort from the suction, especially with moving cupping. Mild soreness or tightness may occur, but severe pain is rare. If pain occurs, the therapist can adjust suction strength.

Frequency depends on goals: Relaxation/stress relief: Once a week. Chronic pain: 2–3 times weekly initially, then less frequent. Sports recovery: Every 4–7 days. Cellulite/skin concerns: 1–2 times weekly, then biweekly. Daily sessions are not recommended to avoid skin irritation.

Leech therapy involves placing medicinal leeches on the skin to suck blood. Leech saliva contains natural anticoagulants, anti-inflammatories, and painkillers, believed to promote healing. It’s used in traditional and some modern medical contexts..

It’s used for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, migraines, hypertension, arthritis, skin diseases, and wound healing. In modern medicine, it’s sometimes used for post-surgical tissue repair (e.g., reattachment surgeries). Evidence is limited for most claims.

The initial leech bite may cause a slight pinch, but the saliva’s natural painkillers typically minimize discomfort during the process. Some soreness may follow.

It’s safe when done by trained professionals under hygienic conditions. It’s contraindicated for people with bleeding disorders, severe anemia, or allergies to leech saliva. Sterile, medical-grade leeches must be used to avoid infections.

Anecdotal reports and some studies suggest benefits for specific conditions like osteoarthritis or post-surgical recovery, but robust scientific evidence is scarce. Its efficacy may partly rely on placebo effects or individual responses