Cupping
Cupping is an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced by creating a vaccum, so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup.
Cupping is applied by acupuncturists to certain acupuncture points, as well as to regions of the body that are affected by pain. Sometimes the cups are moved along the surface of the skin with the intention of breaking up stagnation in the muscle layers. A certain amount of bruising is expected both from fixed position cupping (especially at the site of the cup rim) and with movement of the cups.
Generally, the cup is left in place for about 10 minutes (typical range is 5–15 minutes). The skin becomes reddened due to the congestion of blood flow. The cup is removed by pressing the skin along side it to allow some outside air to leak into it, thus equalizing the pressure and releasing it. Some bruising along the site of the rim of the cup is expected.
Cupping is applied by acupuncturists to certain acupuncture points, as well as to regions of the body that are affected by pain. Sometimes the cups are moved along the surface of the skin with the intention of breaking up stagnation in the muscle layers. A certain amount of bruising is expected both from fixed position cupping (especially at the site of the cup rim) and with movement of the cups.
Generally, the cup is left in place for about 10 minutes (typical range is 5–15 minutes). The skin becomes reddened due to the congestion of blood flow. The cup is removed by pressing the skin along side it to allow some outside air to leak into it, thus equalizing the pressure and releasing it. Some bruising along the site of the rim of the cup is expected.
Today, cupping is mainly recommended for the treatment of pain, gastro-intestinal disorders, lung diseases (especially chronic cough and asthma).
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