What is Cupping?
The principle therapies of traditional Chinese medicine (or TCM) are acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, and associated techniques such as cupping, moxibustion and qi gong.
Pain and discomfort may occur when the flow of Qi (or vital energy) is blocked. Chinese cupping removes this blockage and restores the body’s natural flow of energy and thus relieves the symptoms.
Technique
Cupping is a technique which uses small glass cups as suction devices that are placed on the skin to remove stagnation and congestion by drawing congested blood, energy or other substances (such as blood, bile and phlegm) to the surface of the skin. Cupping can be divided into dry and wet cupping. In dry cupping, the suction cups are simply placed on the skin. In wet cupping, the practitioner will make a small incision on the skin and then apply the suction cup to draw out small amounts of blood.
The suction can be created in several ways. Rubbing alcohol can be swabbed onto the bottom of the cup, which is then lit and immediately placed on the skin. Flames are never used near the skin and are not lit throughout the process of cupping, but are just used to create the heat that causes the suction within the cups.
Once suction has occurred the cups can be gently moved across the skin. In order to aid the movement of the cups along the skin massage oils can be used. The suction in the cups causes the skin to be lightly drawn into the cup and this in turn causes a relaxing and relieving sensation for the patients. The cups are usually left in place for approximately ten minutes while the patient relaxes. Similar to acupuncture and tuina massage, cupping targets specific acupoints in order to produce their therapeutic effects. Several studies have shown that cupping is effective in reducing pain and providing positive short-term benefits.
Theory of Cupping
The theory behind cupping is similar to that of acupuncture in that it is based on the theory of meridians. According to this theory, Qi (or vital energy) and blood circulate in the body through a system of channels called meridians, connecting internal organs with external organs or tissues. By stimulating certain points on the body surface reached by meridians, the flow of Qi and blood can be regulated and diseases thus treated. These stimulation points are called acupuncture points, or acupoints, but instead of using needles suction and heat are used to stimulate these points. The suction and negative pressure created by cupping loosens the muscles and encourages the flow of Qi and blood. Cupping is therefore commonly used in combination with acupuncture though it can also be used alone.
Side Effects
The side effects of cupping are fairly mild and can include bruising, mild discomfort, skin infection, or burns. Bruising commonly occurs but it usually disappears within 10 days.
Benefits of cupping
Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available and can affect tissues up to four inches deep from the external skin. It can release toxins, clear blockages, and improve circulation. The beneficial effects of cupping include:
1. Aches and pains
Cupping can be used to relieve neck and back pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines and rheumatism. As it relieves muscle spasms it may be especially useful for athletes.
2. Respiratory conditions
Respiratory conditions are one of the most common conditions that cupping is used to relieve. It can help clear congestion from a common cold or help to control a person’s asthma.
3. Detoxification
Cupping detoxifies the skin and the circulatory system and visibly improves the skin colour after three to five treatments. Cupping removes toxins and improves blood flow through the veins and arteries as it improves the local circulation.
4. Digestive System
Cupping affects the digestive system and can lead to improved metabolism, improved appetite, improved digestion and constipation relief.