Dating to the early fourth century, cupping is a traditional therapy utilized by Chinese medicine practitioners by itself or as a complement to an acupuncture treatment.
Cupping is indicated for many symptoms including, colds, asthma, bronchitis, muscle pain and stiffness, neck and back pain, arthritis, headaches and migraines, PMS, and gastrointestinal disorders.
During a typical cupping session, glass cups are gently warmed using a cotton ball that is soaked in alcohol and then lit on fire. The cotton ball is waved around inside the cup to create a vacuum and then removed. The cup is quickly placed over an acupuncture point (usually on the back) where it acts as a suction cup. The pulling action of the cups serves to open up the skin’s pores, stimulate the flow of blood, balance and realign the flow of qi, break up obstructions, relax tight muscles, and boosts the immune system by moving the lymph fluid. The cups may be left in one place or gently moved around for even more stimulation.
Normally, the patient feels a tugging sensation while the cups are on, and then feels very relaxed and “open” after the cups have been removed.
Cupping does sometimes leave marks on the skin that can range in color from pale red to deep purple. These marks are a normal and desired part of the cupping process. The cupping “hickies” that tell us that internal stagnation, heat, and blood stasis is being moved and resolved.
Cupping is contraindicated in some situations. These include inflammatory skin conditions; cases of high fever or convulsions; and bleeding disorders. Pregnant women should not have cupping on their stomach or lower back.