Cupping therapy, a traditional practice used in alternative medicine, has recently drawn attention in india after prominent athletes like Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami were seen undergoing this therapy. While cupping has gained popularity for its claimed benefits like pain relief and improved circulation, it has data-faced criticism from several medical professionals. One of the latest voices in opposition comes from a hepatologist, who has raised concerns over the potential risks of this therapy, particularly related to liver health.

🩺 What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is an ancient healing practice that involves placing heated cups on the skin to create suction. It is believed to help in the removal of toxins, improve blood circulation, and reduce muscle pain. There are two main types of cupping:

Dry Cupping – Involves the use of cups without any incisions, creating suction to pull the skin upwards.

Wet Cupping – Involves making small cuts on the skin before applying the cups, allowing for blood to be drawn out.

Cupping is popular among athletes, especially in sports like cricket, football, and swimming, for relieving muscle pain, reducing stress, and promoting faster recovery.

🚨 The Hepatologist's Concerns: health Risks Involved

🔹 Potential Liver Damage

A leading hepatologist has raised concerns that wet cupping may pose serious risks, especially to individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. The doctor emphadata-sized that the practice of creating small incisions on the skin could inadvertently cause infections, leading to further complications for the liver.

In the case of athletes like Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, who undergo frequent training and high physical exertion, any infections or complications due to cupping could impair liver function or affect overall health, leading to long-term damage.

🔹 Risk of Infections

• Wet cupping, which involves cutting the skin, can expose individuals to bacterial or viral infections, particularly if the procedure is not performed in a sterile environment.
• There’s also the risk of skin scarring and potential immune system complications that could worsen pre-existing conditions.

🔹 Unproven Medical Benefits

The hepatologist also pointed out that there is limited scientific evidence to support many of the claimed benefits of cupping, especially in terms of liver detoxification or pain relief. Many medical professionals argue that more research is needed to establish whether cupping offers any clinical benefits over other treatments like physical therapy, pain medications, or massage therapy.

🏏 Athletes Using Cupping Therapy: virat kohli and Mohammed Shami

Both Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami have openly acknowledged using cupping therapy for muscle recovery and improving blood circulation. In fact, Virat Kohli has shared images of himself undergoing the therapy, which raised its profile among his fans and followers.

• Virat Kohli: The indian cricket captain has often promoted his use of cupping therapy to help alleviate muscle soreness and enhance recovery after intense cricketing schedules.
• Mohammed Shami: The fast bowler has also been seen with cupping marks after matches, advocating for the practice to boost muscular recovery and improve flexibility.

While both athletes may not have experienced adverse effects publicly, their use of cupping has led many to consider it as an alternative form of recovery therapy in sports.

⚖️ The Debate: Traditional Therapy vs. Scientific Evidence

The use of cupping therapy has long been a topic of debate between alternative medicine practitioners and conventional medical professionals. Proponents argue that cupping is a non-invasive and holistic therapy that can help athletes and individuals with muscular issues, pain, and even stress management.

However, critics like the hepatologist argue that it’s essential to weigh the risks and ensure that such treatments are done under proper medical supervision. While traditional therapies have cultural significance, modern medicine demands that treatment methods be evidence-based and safe, particularly for high-performance athletes whose health and fitness are paramount.

💡 Should Athletes Continue Using Cupping Therapy?

While there is a clear appeal of traditional therapies among athletes like kohli and shami, the key takeaway from this debate is that proper medical guidance is crucial.

🔹 Important Considerations:

• Consult a qualified healthcare professional before engaging in cupping therapy, especially for athletes with underlying liver conditions or other health concerns.
• Ensure that cupping is performed by trained and certified practitioners to reduce the risk of infections or other complications.
• If there are doubts about the safety or effectiveness of the therapy, athletes should consider alternatives, such as physical therapy, stretching, or massage, which are more widely accepted in the medical community.

✅ Conclusion: A Cautious Approach is Necessary

While cupping therapy continues to be a popular treatment for recovery, particularly among athletes, the hepatologist’s concerns highlight the potential risks involved, particularly in terms of liver health and infection. As with any medical treatment, it is essential for both athletes and non-athletes to proceed with caution and consult experts before adopting such therapies.

The growing popularity of cupping does not mean it is universally safe or effective, and as the debate continues, it is clear that more scientific studies are needed to assess its true impact on long-term health.

 

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