Cupping is one of the external therapies and an important part of Chinese Medicine. It treats the body by stimulating local tissues by applying specially made cups of jars that creating negative pressure in the area. Cupping can regulate microcirculation of the body, boost substantial exchange between blood and tissues, enhance local blood circulation. It can also regulate metabolism, adjust lymph circulation and thus improve removal of pathogenic conditions and restoring normal body functions. Cupping circulates the meridian Qi and Blood and invigorate the functions of organs.
Fire-cupping is the most common method in clinical practice of applying and sticking the cup to the skin by producing a vacuum in the cup using heat produced by a burning cotton wool soaked in alcohol.
Three methods of Fire-cupping are used. Retained cupping – the cup is retained for a period of time after applying to the skin. Flash Cupping – the cup is removed immediately after applying and applied to a different area, repeating this process over and over. Moving cupping – after oil is applied to the skin, the cup is applied and moved along an area.
It is normal for the skin to turn red or purple after application of cups. The marks will disappear within a few days.
Chi Harmony
