Cupping & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese technique used to treat many illness of the body. Originally called "horn
method", hollowed animal horns were suctioned onto the skin to dispel pus and infection. With continued
development in medicinal practice, other cupping materials were introduced such as bamboo jars. This very
simple method could be utilized for a broad range of conditions and yielded
excellent therapeutic effects. With modern cupping therapy, glass cups are
suctioned onto the skin using an ignited cotton ball soaked in cotton to
create a vacuum. Newer, improved plastic cups have suction devices built
into them, making them safer and easier to handle.
FUNCTION OF CUPPING THERAPY
Placing suctioned cups on the skin draws up underlying tissues and creates a
local congestion. Meridians are opened, cold and damp are dispelled, the
tissue is warmed and the flow of qi and blood through the channels is
promoted. The cupping technique also causes a small inflammatory affect
that activates the chemical mediators of inflammation.
Local toxins are released, ischemia is decreased, the lymph system is
stimulated and the area is cleared of blockages. Cups suctioned onto the skin and moved across the surface also
create a massaging effect that is felt deep into the underlying tissues. It is an excellent method to break down scar
tissue, smooth stretch marks and clear broken capillaries. Cupping the upper back during a cold or flu draws the
pathogen to the surface to be released, thereby shortening the length of a cold. Local areas of edema can also be
regulated with cupping therapy.
CUPPING THERAPY TREATMENT
There are several methods used in cupping therapy, depending on the condition being treated. Stationary cupping
involves suctioning several cups on affected areas, which are maintained for 10 to 20 minutes. "Running cupping"
slides the cup over certain areas and is used most effectively for sore and spasmed muscles. This technique takes
only several minutes and is easily incorporated into an acupuncture or massage therapy treatment. Local
congestion and swelling from sprains and strains are released using a form of bleeding and cupping. The injured
area is pricked with a needle, whereupon a cup is suctioned to draw out the heat in the blood, the toxins and
fluids. After the cupping treatment there is usually a bruise at the local area. The discoloration can run from deep
redness of the skin, (usually dissipates in a few hours) to actual purplish bruising which fades within 3 to 4 days.
The procedure is generally painless, although sometimes an intense pulling sensation can be felt. The pressure is
regulated for maximized comfort.
SOME COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED
Abdominal Pain, anemia, back pain, common cold and influenza, skin complaints, varicose veins, sprains, strains,
edema, cellulite, arthritis, inflammation, scars and stretch marks, boils/carbuncles, spasms/sore muscles, joint
pain, acne, hives, cough/asthma. Abdominal Pain, anemia, back pain, common cold and influenza, skin
complaints, varicose veins, sprains, strains, edema, cellulite, arthritis, inflammation, scars and stretch marks,
boils/carbuncles, spasms/sore muscles, joint pain, acne, hives, cough/asthma.
Chinese medicinal cupping has gained popularity in the last decade, and is used frequently by many alternative
health practitioners. Not only is it safe and effective, this ancient and simple method yields quick results with
many health conditions.
