What is it: Cupping therapy is a form on Ancient Chinese Medicine, which involves the placement of heated glass suction cups onto the skin in order to form a vacuum and draw blood to the surface of the skin in these areas. Cupping is applied to certain acupuncture points as well as to parts of the body that have been affected by pain, where the pain is deeper than the tissues to be pulled. I will determine theses specific points on the body where the cupping is needed, and how many cups to use. Cups are usually left on the skin for between 5 to 15 minutes. Cupping has greater emphasis on the back acupuncture due to the ease with which it can be performed on the back. Cupping helps to rejuvenate certain meridians and organs that are not functioning at their best. From a scientific standpoint, cupping is known to help activate the lymphatic system, promote blood circulation, and is good for deep tissue repair. It is generally used to treat the health problems listed below:
- Pain
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Lung diseases (especially chronic cough and asthma)
- Shingles
- Facial paralysis
- Acne
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Cervical spondylosis
How it works: Glass cups are generally used for cupping. Glass cups are fitted with a valve that attaches to a small hand-operated pump, which will allow me to suck out air without having to rely on fire to depressurize the cup first. This will also give greater control over the amount of suction. The suction of the cups draws toxic substances to the skins surface and causes congestions. Thus, it stimulates blood and lymph circulation around the body. The flesh is sucked in to the cup and left to promote blood circulation. This in turn, releases stagnant energy and re‐energizes the patient. The techniques used create different levels of pressure for the patient, depending upon their strength, health, specific illness, energy level & age
Cups will be left in place for ten minutes although the time can range from five to fifteen minutes. The skin will redden due to the congestion of blood flow. The cup will be removed from the skin by pressing the skin on one side, allowing some outside air to enter and thus equalise the pressure. Some bruising on the skin where the rim of the cup will be expected.