Cupping focuses on the same points in the body as acupuncture.
Cupping is a technique in Chinese medicine in which cups are placed on areas of the body. The air pressure is reduced via various methods to create a vacuum inside the cups. This vacuum holds the cups in place. The cups are placed in areas with acupuncture and acupressure nodes. The theory behind cupping is similar to other Chinese medicinal practices. Through cupping, the balance of yin and yang in the chi is restored. Chi is a life force that is present in all living organisms, according to this practice, and is the focus of training and treatments.
Dry Heat Method
One of the oldest methods of Chinese cupping is the dry heat method. According to ChineseCupping.net, the first recorded use of cupping in Chinese medicine occurred in 281 A.D.. Early cupping tools were made from animal horns. In the dry heat method of cupping, a practitioner places dry paper or leaves in the cup. The paper is burned. As the fire is about to go out, the practitioner positions the cup on the patient. The heat will create a vacuum, pulling the skin under the cup upward. This dry heat method is still practiced today, often with glass, ceramic or other heat-resistant cups.
Wet Heat Method
A second method is the wet heat method. This method involves immersing bamboo cups in boiling water. The practitioner places the cups on the skin. The difference in temperatures inside the cup and outside combine with moisture to create suction. Eventually, porous porcelain cups began to be used in a similar way. In some cases, medicinal herbs are boiled with the water in which the cups are soaked.
Pump Cupping
More modern cupping involves a specialized cup with a connector that attaches to a vacuum pump. The cups are positioned as desired and the air inside is pumped out. In many cases, modern practitioners will lubricate the skin to allow the cups to be moved under suction. In some cases, the oils are essential oils that are said to have medicinal properties. Generally, the cups used for pump cupping are glass. Some cups have a button, in addition to the vacuum connector, that releases the vacuum.
Tags: heat method, Chinese medicinal, Chinese medicine, connector that, create vacuum