Cupping

Using suction, cupping helps to pull out toxins from the body and release fascial adhesions.  This is especially useful for tight muscles and scarring.

 

 

Types of Cups

Cups come in many different sizes, and the most recognizable material that they are made from is glass.  They can also be made out of bamboo, earthenware, or plastic.  The glass, earthenware, and bamboo cups incorporate fire cupping, while the plastic cups come with a suction to pull out the air.

How It Works

A suction to either pull heat and toxins to the surface, or to release adhesions is created and relieve pain.  This is done with a suction pump, or by heating the air in the cups, usually with fire.  The cup with the hot air is placed on the skin and as the air cools it creates the suction.  The cups are placed on strategic areas of the body, such as at acupuncture points or over adhesions, in order to target specific conditions.  The areas are either highly stimulated for effect or adhesions are pulled apart.

Bruising

One of the most common side effects is bruising.  Actually, this is generally the aim.  No one can gauge the degree to which each individual person will bruise, though there are some indicators:  those with weaker constitutions or those with internal heat tend to bruise more readily than those with stronger constitutions or less heat.  Some have very dark bruises and some have lighter bruises.  These usually go away within 7-10 days.  If you are about to be in a situation where these bruises might be seen, such as on vacation to a warm place, you can either ask your practitioner to skip it until you get back, or embrace the opportunity to tell more of the world about all of the benefits of Chinese Medicine.

Types of Cupping

There are two basic types: dry and wet- or bleeding cupping.  Dry cupping is when cups are applied to the skin, and maybe there are some manipulation techniques used.  Wet or bleeding cupping is when cupping is applied to the skin, the cups are removed, the area is lanced or pricked with a needle, and cupping is reapplied to pull blood out of the area for the purpose of controlled medicinal bleeding.  This technique is used to enhance the cupping effects of circulating the blood, pulling out toxins, and alleviating pain and swelling.

Techniques

With dry cupping there are a few techniques that may be used:

Stationary: the cups are suctioned on to the skin and left for a short time, usually 2-10 minutes.

Moving: the cups are suctioned on to the skin, usually after some type of lubricant is applied.  This allows the cups to be moved along the skin, targeting a larger surface area.

Flash: the cups are suctioned to the skin, quickly removed, reheated, and reapplied to the skin.  This often results in a succession of popping sounds.  This is often used to target specific organ disorders.

Cupping is generally used as needed during a treatment.  Chinese Medicine has found that it is really beneficial to use at the onset of a cold to pull out the toxins.  The bacteria or virus tends to move through the body much faster, letting you get back to your everyday routine quicker.  It is also beneficial for muscular adhesions that are too sensitive for electrical acupuncture.  It usually ends up feeling more like a deep tissue massage and is yet another great way Chinese Medicine can help the body find balance.

 

Caroline Prodoehl, R.Ac., R.TCMP