Cupping

Cupping is a therapeutic method used in many countries since ancient times, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Eastern Europe and Asia.

With the help of cups of different sizes a vacuum is created on the skin which causes local swelling of the tissues and blood vessels resulting in dark marks. Cupping marks are caused by suction instead of pressure in case of trauma, and it works to bring toxins to the surface. After 5 to 10 minutes, the cups are removed, depending on symptoms and diagnosis. The cupping marks vary in coloring from slightly red to dark purple and usually pass within a few days. The color indicates the level of toxins and stagnation at this specific area.

For treatment cups of different sizes are used. The traditional method uses a cotton ball soaked in alcohol, it is ignited and thus the air filling the cup is warmed. Then the cup is immediately placed on the skin and a suction is created. There are now also silicone vessels or plastic cups that produce the vacuum with the help of a pump. The advantage here is that the vacuum strength can be better controlled, for example when treating children or toddlers.

Cupping treatment is mainly used in the form of dry cupping. Another method includes drawing a drop of blood. When placing the cup on top of it, the negative pressure increases the blood leakage and more drops come out. This especially brings relief in cases of stagnation and blockages. Furthermore, to relieve muscle tension certain areas can be massaged with the help of cupping- first a massage oil is applied to the skin and then the cup is moved on the skin to produce suction and movement.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, cupping stimulates and increases the flow of qi and blood in the target area. For example, muscle tension and pain indicates a stagnation of qi and blood in this area that can be removed using cupping.

Furthermore, Back Shu points are located on both sides along the spine on the Urinary Bladder meridian. Each one of the Back Shu points represents one of the Zàng-fu organs. By placing the cups on this acupoints, certain organs and meridians can be strengthened. As an example, when suffering from a cold or a lung condition, the cups are placed on either side of the spine between the frontal vertebrae T3 and T4 - this area is connected to the Zàng organ of the Lungs.

Do not use cupping techniques on imparied skin areas due to burns or skin diseases. Other contraindications include blood clotting conditions, tumors, certain stages of pregnancy, heart disease and tuberculosis.