Cupping refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced, so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup. The cups are placed at various positions along the meridian lines that are also used in acupuncture.
The earliest recorded use of cupping was in the book, A Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies, by Ge Hong (281–341 A.D.).
Originally, practitioners would use hollowed-out animal horns for cups. Today, most acupuncturists use cups made of thick glass or plastic, although bamboo, iron and pottery cups are still used in other countries. Glass cups are the preferred method of delivery, because they do not break as easily as pottery or deteriorate like bamboo, and they allow the acupuncturist to see the skin and evaluate the effects of treatment.
There are three forms of cupping: dry, air and wet. Traditional or dry cupping is using a flame to heat the cup and then applying it to the skin. Air cupping is when the cup is applied to the skin, a suction pump is attached to the rounded end of the cup and the pump is then used to create the vacuum. In wet cupping, the skin is punctured before treatment. When the cup is applied and the skin is drawn up, a small amount of blood may flow from the puncture site, which is believed to help remove harmful substances and toxins from the body.
Generally, the cup is left in place for 5–15 minutes. The skin becomes reddened due to the congestion of blood flow. While cupping is considered relatively safe, it can cause some swelling and bruising on the skin. These bruises are usually painless and disappear within a few days of treatment.
Today, cupping is still used for respiratory disease, as well as digestive and gynecological disorders, headaches and dizziness, and lymphatic blockages. The common cold can be tackled with cupping, as can insomnia and soft tissue injuries.
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