Chinese Cupping Therapy

Chinese cupping therapy is a technique practiced in Chinese medicine. Cups are placed over the skin and the flesh is suctioned into the cup either with a suction, or by warming the cup and reducing air pressure. The placement of the cups is specific to realigning the chi, or energy flow, within the body.

Cupping Therapy

• To undergo Chinese cupping therapy, you must locate a practitioner skilled in performing Chinese medicine, such as an acupuncturist. Look for an acupuncturist that is licensed and maintains a clean working environment. Before beginning therapy, discuss the symptoms you would like to alleviate with the acupuncturist. He will inform you if cupping is an appropriate treatment to relieve your particular ailment.

  During cupping therapy, the practitioner applies cups to the skin. Cups are generally made of glass but may also be made from materials such as iron and bamboo. The cups may be warmed by placing a flammable substance inside and lighting it on fire. The cup is then placed on the skin as the fire goes out, which reduces air pressure and sucks the flesh into the cup. Cups may also be outfitted with suction pumps that are used by the practitioner to create suction. The practitioner may use oils on the skin, which makes it easier to move a suctioned cup along the skin. This is also believed to move the flow of chi as well.

  Cupping may also be performed on an area where the skin has been punctured, and this technique is called "wet" cupping. As the flesh is suctioned into the cup, blood is pulled from the puncture site, which is believed to rid the body of toxins. The practitioner will apply the cups and leave them on for five to 15 minutes. The practitioner presses the skin at the side of the cup to break suction during removal.

  As a result of cupping, many users experience reddening and bruising of the skin where the cups were applied. Cupping therapy may also result in burns and swelling. Avoid this therapy if you experience high fever, bleeding disorders or inflamed skin.

What Cupping Treats

• Chinese medicine is based on the theory that chi runs through the body, at illness and disease result of misdirected or blocked chi. The cups placed over specific points on the body are believed to redirect the chi, relieving pain and symptoms of disease.

  Cupping may be used as an alternative therapy for cancer treatments. The American Cancer Society recommends utilizing tradition cancer treatment in conjunction with any alternative treatments. Traditionally, cupping is used to treat disorders like arthritis, bronchitis, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections and depression. Cupping therapy may also be used to treat infertility and insomnia.