Cupping
About Cupping
Cupping is based on the principles of balancing the body's vital energy or Qi and the flow of blood. It has been practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 2000 years. Traditionally, cups were made of materials like glass, bamboo or ceramic but modern cups are often made of plastic or silicone.
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Some practitioners offer fire cupping which involves heating the air inside the cup using an open flame before placing it on the skin. Others may use pump cupping where a mechanical pump is used to create suction.
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There are different types of cupping:
Dry cupping - cups are placed on the skin to create suction.
Wet cupping (Hijama) - this involves creating small incisions on the skin before applying the cups to draw some blood, which is believed to remove impurities.
Abigail practices dry cupping using silicone cups and oil.
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What is the purpose?
Cupping aims to promote the flow of Qi and blood in the body. It is thought to address imbalances and stagnation.
Cupping is commonly used to alleviate muscle tension, stiffness and pain, particularly in the back, shoulders and neck. Suction creates negative pressure, increasing blood circulation to the treated area, promoting healing, reducing pain and inflammation.
Conditions treated
Musculoskeletal Pain: Cupping is frequently used for conditions such as back pain, neck pain, knots and muscle tightness.
Respiratory Issues: It may be applied to address respiratory conditions, such as asthma or bronchitis.
TCM Patterns: Cupping is often used to address specific TCM patterns such as blood stasis or Qi stagnation.
Cupping marks, side effects and safety
Circular marks are normally left on the skin after cupping. Colour and intensity can vary, indicating the level of stagnation.
There may be mild soreness, redness or bruising at cupping sites; these effects are generally temporary and are considered part of the healing process.
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Individuals with certain health conditions, such as bleeding disorders, should consult healthcare professionals before undergoing cupping.
To summarise, cupping is a traditional therapy with deep roots in TCM that seeks to restore balance and encourage the flow of vital energy throughout the body. While cupping has been extensively used and is generally regarded as safe, anybody contemplating treatment should check with a certified practitioner or healthcare expert, especially if they have pre-existing health concerns.
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