Cupping therapy is an ancient practice that involves placing specialized cups on the skin to create a vacuum, which draws the skin and underlying tissues upward. This suction is believed to increase blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote healing within the body. The process uses cups made of materials like glass, plastic, or silicone. However, because the cups come into direct contact with skin, oils, lotions, and sometimes even small amounts of blood, proper and consistent sanitation is paramount for user safety. Maintaining hygiene standards mitigates the risk of transmitting bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens between uses.
Essential Supplies and Preparation
Before beginning the cleaning process, gathering the correct supplies ensures both effectiveness and equipment longevity. A mild dish soap or a specialized non-abrasive detergent breaks down the oils and lotions used during the treatment. You will also need warm running water and a clean, designated wash basin.
Cleaning tools should be soft, such as a lint-free cloth or a soft-bristled brush, to avoid scratching the cup surfaces. Scratches, particularly on plastic cups, create microscopic crevices where microorganisms can shelter, making disinfection less effective. For the subsequent disinfection step, have your chosen agent ready, which might include hydrogen peroxide or an approved commercial disinfectant.
The Two-Step Cleaning Process: Washing and Rinsing
The first part of the cleaning process is physically removing all organic residue, which must occur before disinfection. If the cupping set has multiple components, such as plastic cups with removable rubber or silicone bulbs, fully disassemble them. This allows access to internal surfaces where oils and skin cells often accumulate.
Wash the cups using warm, soapy water with mechanical force, such as scrubbing the surfaces with a soft cloth. This step removes all visible matter, including massage oils, sweat, and surface debris. If you cannot wash the cups immediately after use, soaking them in soapy water prevents organic material from drying and hardening.
After scrubbing, a thorough rinse under clean, running water eliminates all traces of soap residue. Any remaining soap can neutralize the effectiveness of the chemical disinfectant applied next. Rinsing also prevents spotting and ensures the cups are clean before proceeding to disinfection.
Crucial Disinfection Methods
Once the cups are physically clean, they must be disinfected, a process known as High-Level Disinfection (HLD) for reusable devices that contact intact skin. One recommended chemical agent is 7.5% hydrogen peroxide, which is effective and breaks down into water and oxygen. Cups must be completely submerged in the 7.5% hydrogen peroxide solution for a minimum contact time of 30 minutes to achieve HLD.
Other chemical disinfectants, such as 2.0% glutaraldehyde or 0.2% peracetic acid, are used, but their required contact times vary and must be strictly followed according to the manufacturer’s label. Using alcohols, such as 70% isopropyl alcohol, is generally not recommended as the primary disinfection method for plastic or silicone cups, as they can break down the material and lack sporicidal action. Boiling water is effective for glass cups and some heat-resistant plastic cups, but silicone and standard plastic cups may warp or become damaged by high temperatures.
If boiling is chosen for heat-tolerant materials, ensure the cups are completely submerged for a specified duration to achieve disinfection. However, for silicone cups, boiling, ultraviolet light, and chemical sterilization are often advised against as they can alter the material’s properties or cause damage. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling concentrated chemical disinfectants.
Proper Drying and Storage Techniques
Following the disinfection soak, the cups must be thoroughly rinsed again to remove all disinfectant chemicals, protecting the user’s skin from residue. After this final rinse, allow the cups to completely dry before storage. Drying prevents residual moisture from encouraging microbial growth or mildew, which can re-contaminate the sanitized surface.
The best method is to air-dry the cups by placing them on a clean, dry towel or rack. If air-drying is not feasible, a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel can be used to manually dry the surfaces. Once completely dry, any disassembled parts, such as the suction pump or valves, can be reassembled.
The cleaned and disinfected cupping sets should be stored in a clean, dry, and closed container to prevent dust or airborne contaminants from settling. Storing them in a cool environment, away from direct light or mechanical stress, helps maintain the integrity and functionality of the cup materials, especially for silicone and plastic sets. This final step ensures the equipment is ready for safe use.