Breast cancer surgery often involves the removal of lymph nodes under the armpit and upper arm. The removal of these lymph nodes creates a lack of blood flow and decreased lymphatic drainage in the corresponding fascia, resulting in tight, rope-like structures known as cording or axillary web syndrome. Cording can be an extremely unpleasant symptom for cancer patients, as it causes tightness, pain, swelling and restricted range of motion in the affected limb.
Physical remedies to alleviate cording include stretching, massage, and the application of wet-hot compresses. The most powerful healing technique for long-lasting reduction of cording symptoms however is cupping combined with distal acupuncture by a licensed acupuncturist (3).
An Ancient Skill
Cupping is one of the most ancient healing techniques in the world. Historians believe the
therapy was first practiced by Egyptians in 2500 B.C. It has since spread around the globe,
and is well-known for its healing properties throughout the world’s many different cultures.
Chinese Medicine has always supported the use of cupping along with acupuncture, as the
two modalities combined harmonize the Yin and Yang energies of the body (1,2).
How it Works: Wet and Dry Cupping
Cupping therapy involves the suction of fascia tissue into a glass, bamboo, or plastic cup. The suction is provided by either the traditional method of fire inside the cup, or the modern technique of a hand-pump. Clinically, it is evident that traditional fire cupping is far more comfortable and effective than the modern utilization of an air pump. The basic two types of cupping are wet and dry. Wet cupping involves lubricating the skin with oil so the cup may glide over areas of the body and has a massage-like effect in draining lymphatic tissue. Dry cupping involves the static hold of a cup over a certain area of the body to help release stagnant blood and toxins within the organ systems. Both techniques may leave a red rash or circular bruise after applied, but the discoloration usually dissipates within a few days (2).
The different cupping techniques result in different energetic effects on the body, depending on the method used and the power of suction. For example, the lightest suction form of flash cupping is most commonly used over the lung field to dissipate cold and flu pathogens from the upper respiratory system. Whereas wet cupping provides a more massage like effect by breaking up stagnant fascial tissue, and helps to drain the superficial lymphatic system. The technique of dry fire cupping with a strong suction is used to not only break up bound fascia tissue, but also to release pathogens and toxic-heat from deep within the body’s organ systems. While this form of dry cupping provides the most powerful organ detoxification, it also leaves the most amount of bruising, which can last from a few days to over a week. The longer that cupping marks remain on the skin, the more indication that a patient has poor blood circulation and a heavy build-up of toxic pathogens within the organ meridian systems (2).
Cupping does wonders for cording, especially when combined with distal acupuncture techniques that help to release the bound fascia and harmonize the body’s energy. As needling is contraindicated on any limb where lymph nodes have been removed, it is important for the patient to only see a licensed acupuncturist for proper treatment of cording.
Receiving acupuncture along with cupping has a powerful healing effect for cording as both modalities improve blood flow to the fascia, increase the release of healing neurotransmitters to the area of cording, and aid in detoxification of the lymphatic system. Both modalities also promote relaxation and reduce stress which improves the overall well-being of the patient (4).
Dr. Naomi E Campbell L.Ac, D.A.C.M.
References
1) Qureshi NA, Ali GI, Abushanab TS, El-Olemy AT, Alqaed MS, El-Subai IS, Al-Bedah AMN.
History of cupping (Hijama): a narrative review of literature. J Integr Med. 2017
May;15(3):172-181. doi: 10.1016/S2095-4964(17)60339-X. PMID: 28494847.
2) Furhad S, Sina RE, Bokhari AA. Cupping Therapy. 2023 Oct 30. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 30855841.
3) Zhao H. [Clinical observation on therapeutic effect of cupping combined with acupuncture
stimulation at trigger points for lumbar myofascial pain syndrome]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2014
Aug;39(4):324-8. Chinese. PMID: 25219130.
4) Yang J, Wahner-Roedler DL, Zhou X, Johnson LA, Do A, Pachman DR, Chon TY, Salinas M,
Millstine D, Bauer BA. Acupuncture for palliative cancer pain management: systematic review. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2021 Sep;11(3):264-270. doi: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002638.
Epub 2021 Jan 13. PMID: 33441387; PMCID: PMC8380897.