Cupping therapy, one of the auxiliary methods in Chinese medicine, has a history of more than 2,500 years in China. This treatment involves the placement of a cup on the skin resulting in gentle suction; the cup is heated inside with a flamed stick and then quickly pressed on the skin. As the air becomes cool inside, a strong vacuum develops. This action fastens the cup to the skin and draws up the skin beneath the cup. Why Cupping? Chinese medicine believes that pathological agents cause imbalance of Yin and Yang, stagnation of Qi and Blood, thus bringing on symptoms and illnesses. The mechanical action of the suction cup is believed to bring the stagnated blood to the surface extracting the toxins through the pores of the skin. This allows the fresh healthy blood to be replaced in the channels, so that a harmonious state of Yin and Yang can be achieved.
Because of the power of vacuum, after a considerable time, slight discolored circular marks (like a bruise) should be expected. The color, which serves as a diagnostic tool, varies from pink to blue or sometimes, black. Usually, the darker the circle means the more stagnation of the area (lack of oxygen). Generally, the mark will disappear several days later. However, a healthy individual would not have such mark. The Application The cupping therapy has the function of promoting the free flow of Qi and Blood in the channels, thus diminishing swellings and pains, and dispelling wind, cold and dampness. Clinically, the cupping therapy is mainly used to treat:
v Acute sprain and strain v Joint pain such as neck, back, shoulder, and leg. v Rheumatoid arthritis v Respiratory disease such as allergy, asthma, bronchitis, cold, coughs, pneumonia v Digestive disorders such as indigestion, stomachache, diarrhea, colitis, chronic gastritis, constipation v Neurological disorders such as headache, stroke, paralysis, numbness, nervousness v Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, impotence v Psychosomatic disorders such as stress, anxiety and depression v Dermatological disorders such as psoriasis, Urticaria, shingles, etc. v Gynecological disorders such as menstrual problems, menopause v Food poisoning, snake bites, etc.
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