Cupping

What is Cupping?

Cupping is a treatment method based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The practitioner uses glass cups to apply suction, stimulate blood flow, improve the circulation of energy (Qi) and rejuvenate energy pathways (meridians).

What to Expect from a Cupping Session

In a typical cupping session, glass cups are warmed using a cotton ball, which is soaked in alcohol, lit, then briefly placed inside the cup. Burning a substance inside the cup removes all the oxygen, which creates a vacuum.

The cup is then turned upside-down and placed over a specific area. The vacuum created by the lack of oxygen anchors the cup to the skin and pulls it upward on the inside of the glass as the air inside the jar cools. Drawing up the skin is believed to open up the skin’s pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of blood, balances and realigns the flow of qi, breaks up obstructions, and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body.

Depending on the condition being treated, the cups will be left in place from 5 to 10 minutes. Several cups may be placed on a patient’s body at the same time. Some practitioners will also apply small amounts of medicated oils or herbal oils to the skin just before the cupping procedure, which lets them move the cups up and down particular acupoints or meridians after they have been applied.

Contraindications for Receiving a Cupping Treatment

While cupping is considered safe, it can cause some swelling and bruising on the skin. As the skin under a cup is drawn up, the blood vessels at the surface of the skin expand. This may result in small; circular bruises on the areas where the cups were applied. These bruises are usually painless and disappear within a few days of treatment.

Also, there are several instances where cupping should not be performed. Patients with inflamed skin, cases of high fever or convulsions, and patients who bleed easily are not suitable candidates for cupping. Pregnant women should not have cupping on their stomach or lower back. If the cups are being moved, they should not cross bony areas, such as the ridges of the spine or the shoulder blades.