How Does Chinese Cupping Therapy Work?
Chinese cupping therapy is an ancient treatment using heated glass vessels placed on the surface of the skin. The heated air inside the cups create a localized suction that promotes blood flow and healing by moving stagnant blood and lymph fluid.
A single cup may be used or several over a large area, and some cups may be applied over an acupuncture needle. The treatment and diagnosis determines if the cups will be stationary, or slowly slid across a large lubricated area.
Skin markings are common after the removal of cups. They vary from red round circles to lines of discoloration due to bruising, especially if the cups were slid across the back. The markings disappear in a few days and are rarely painful. Most people enjoy this treatment which is similar to a firm massage.
Chinese cupping therapy is known by many names such as suction cup therapy, fire cupping, heat cupping, and ventosa cupping.
What Is Suction Cup Therapy Used For?
This very effective TCM modality can be used on the back, neck, legs, arms, and shoulders for pain and other musculo-skeletal conditions. Suction cup therapy is also used to treat the common cold, bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Cupping recently gained popularity among Olympic athletes and movie stars who proudly sport their distinctive round cupping marks.
Cupping is generally safe when applied by trained professionals. It is not advised for people with bleeding disorders, over skin ulcers or to the abdominal or sacral regions of pregnant women. If you are pregnant or think you may be, please inform your acupuncturist.
