Cupping
Versions of cupping have been used in many cultures around the world dating back before 1550 BC.
Cupping is a therapy modality in which glass jars are attached to the skin surface using heat to create a vacuum, drawing up the skin and the upper layer of the muscle. This modality has the function of warming and promoting the flow of Qi and blood in the meridians and muscle fibers.
Cupping may dispel cold, help fluid accumulation and diminish swelling and pain. It helps to break up toxins and lymphatic build up in the tissues. The cupping method combined with bloodletting is suitable to treat acute pain or sprains accompanied by blood stasis.
Cupping is a painless modality. On occasion, temporary discoloration may occur over the area where the cups were applied, which generally disipates within 3-5 days.
How would patients benefit from cupping?
Cupping helps to…
…relieve musculoskeletal problems such as acute or chronic neck, shoulder, low back pain, tightness, IT band injury, sciatic pain.
…aid digestive discomfort. Glass cups placed over acupuncture points on abdomen may ease digestive related discomfort and help with vomiting, diarrhea, bloating or abdominal pain.
…detoxify. Cupping breaks up and frees toxin build up in the muscle fibers and skin, stimulates lymphatic flow and drainage. Black skin discoloration is an indication of toxin build up in the tissues.
…improve lung function. The warming, moving effect of the cupping modality aids in lung function for patients with asthma, congestive lung disease and common colds. Cupping can also help to ease cough.