Traditional Chinese Medicine: Cupping Therapy

Yesterday I had a great $3 massage. At the end, the masseuse suggested trying a method that uses the principles of acupuncture “to remove cold air from my body.” I supposedly had stagnant air in my body that could have been caused from my recent move to such a humid climate from a dry one. I later discovered that the method used was a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine known as Cupping. A cotton ball with alcohol was lit on fire and inserted into small glass fish bowl-like suction cups to create a vacuum. These cups were suctioned onto my back and left there for about 10 minutes. It just felt like I was being pinched all over. As the air cooled inside the bowls, underlying tissue was raised by being sucked part of the way into the cup. When I got home I realized I had a bunch of red circles all over my back, which I read later should go away in a week. To be fully effective you should have Cupping done several times to feel a result.


Image from http://www.dailyom.com

The method uses acupuncture points to relieve the stagnation of Qi and blood to release toxins from the body. Through suction and negative pressure, massage cupping releases rigid soft tissue, drains excess fluids and toxins, loosen adhesions and lifts connective tissue, and brings blood flow to stagnant skin and muscles. It has been practiced in China for over 3,000 years and also has roots in Ancient Greece and Egypt. Cupping was common as a home remedy in the U.S. during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries for relief of congestion and colds. Breast cupping became common for inflamed breasts and lactation dysfunctions, and the familiar breast pump evolved from this practice.

Cupping is beneficial and used for multiple disorders affecting multiple organ systems including:

• Digestive system: constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Vital, Metabolic: low energy, fatigue, anemia, atrophy of the tissues, cellulite, emaciation, weight gain - normalizes body weight.
• Nervous system: headaches, depression, emotional problems - balances the nervous system.
• Gynecological: menstrual pain, suppressed or irregular menses.
• Musculoskeletal: Local application, as appropriate, for back pain, arthritis, traumatic injuries, lumbago, sciatica.
• Respiratory & Circulatory: asthma, bronchitis, common cold and flu, high blood pressure. Increased blood flow to the skin is therapeutic for many different skin disorders.

References

http://www.acupunctureproducts.com/cupping_therapy_part1_Ilkay_Chirali.html

http://www.dailyom.com/

http://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Hijama_or_Cupping.html

http://www.massagemag.com/spa/treatment/cupping.php