cupping

cupping

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin by glass, silicon or plastic cups. Suction is created using heat (fire) or mechanical devices (hand or electrical pumps). By applying one or several cups on the skin, blood circulation is increased and healing is promoted by releasing muscle tension and easing pain.

The practice of cupping dates back as early as 3000 B.C. The earliest records were found in ancient Egypt. China followed   around 1000 B.C.  In Europe and the Middle East cupping belonged to the health system of humoral medicine, developed and practiced by the ancient Greeks.
In the 19th century cupping therapy became part of the basic repertoire of clinical skills a doctor was expected to have, some Eastern European countries (e.g. Poland and Bulgaria) continuing to practice this method to the present.

In Oriental medicine cupping is applied to treat internal diseases and structural dysfunctions. By dispelling  stagnation - stagnant blood and lymph – out of the treated area, Qi and blood flow is greatly enhanced to advocate healing.  Cupping is indicated for a broad range of medical and physical conditions such as: