Cupping Therapy - What Is It and What Are Its Benefits? ( Cupping Therapy )

Cupping Therapy

The Way Cupping Massage or Cupping Therapy Works

There are a number of different variations of cupping treatments. During a treatment a vacuum is created and there is some suction that pulls up on your skin and your body's tissues. With stationary cupping treatments the cups are applied to the skin and they are not moved until your session is complete. With massage cupping, the cups are moved during the treatment to help ease sore muscles and joints.

A Brief History of Cupping Therapy

There have been pictorial records of cupping discovered in Egypt so the process dates back to at least 1500 BC. It was also used by the ancient Greeks and Chinese to treat a number of different symptoms. In the beginning, the cups were made from hollowed out animal horns and they were used to leach toxins out of the body. The cups themselves have evolved from hollowed out animal horns to cups made from bamboo to eventually cups made from glass. Glass cups are still used today.

Some of the Benefits of Cupping Treatments

This kind of treatment is believed to have an effect on your body's tissues up to 4 inches beneath the surface of the skin. This is thought to help your body release toxins. These treatments can open up the veins, arteries and capillaries to improve circulation. These treatments can also be used to improve the functioning of your lymphatic system.

Furthermore, it can help with conditions like stretch marks and varicose veins and it is also believed that it can be helpful for clearing congestion. These treatments have been used to help people control their asthma or to find relief from cold symptoms.

Cupping massage and cupping therapy can also help reduce or eliminate pain. Doctor Brent A. Bauer, M.D. answered a question on the Mayo Clinic website about whether this can help relieve the pain from fibromyalgia. He stated that there were studies that indicated that this medication when combined with acupuncture may reduce fibromyalgia symptoms more effectively than conventional medicines. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cupping/AN01599

There is a lot of evidence that suggests that this can be used to treat a number of different ailments and symptoms. There are some circumstances when cupping should not be used such as when you have a high fever, a skin disease or if you have a tendency to bleed easily. For most people, it is perfectly safe and it may be an option you would like to explore. It is highly recommended that you consult your physician before attempting to treat or diagnose any disease.

Traditional cupping has now been given a face lift for the modern world by Bellabaci, a South African company who's CEO; Keren Trabelsi originated the Bellabaci Massage System for body and face. This system and the cups in particular make it easy for just about anybody to treat themselves and their families for a slew of every day ailments at home, afford ably and naturally without the need for toxic pharmaceuticals and expensive doctor's visits.

Today, there are many clinics that offer cupping treatments. If you want to undergo cupping therapy, then you can click here.

Cupping Therapy

Acupuncture With Cupping is Effective Therapy ( Cupping Therapy )

Cupping Therapy

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of very fine needles into the body at defined acupuncture points. The needles are inserted over meridians that are energy channels, which circulate energy throughout the body. Acupuncture therapy clears the channels of any obstructions and relieves pressure that causes pain and illness. Common ailments are treated quickly and effectively with acupuncture and the therapy can reduce tension, ease backache, sciatica, arthritis, migraine and cramps, as well as rid the body of many diseases.

Fire cupping therapy, is a part of Chinese medicine that is used in conjunction with acupuncture, and involves applying pressure to an acupuncture point by creating a vacuum. Small glass jars or bamboo cups, about the size of a baby food container, are internally heated by fire and immediately applied to the acu-point. The rapidly cooling air within the jar creates a vacuum, and draws on the skin beneath, thus applying pressure to the acu-point. The suction pressure relieves stagnation in the affected channel and restores the flow of energy or qi, allowing the body to heal. Cupping therapy is a common traditional Chinese medicine treatment for respiratory tract infections such as, bronchitis and pneumonia. Muscular problems in the neck, shoulders and back can also be treated with cupping therapy.

Benefits attributed to the application of cupping include, stimulation of the blood vessels in an affected area, easing blood clots, clearing up bruised tissue and stimulating the body's circulation system. Cupping therapy is generally applied for about 15 minutes and leaves unsightly marks on the body for a few days. There is also a very slight risk of receiving minor burns, depending on the method of heating that is used. To allay patients fears, some cupping practitioners are now using suction pumps instead of heated vessels.

Oze Parrot is an author, publisher and Internet marketing consultant.
Formerly a tourist operator and real estate business marketing consultant
Location: Queensland, Australia.
You may republish this article as long as you include the name of the author and provide an active link to: http://itsacupuncture.com/
Cupping Therapy

Fibromyalgia Symptom Relief Through Cupping Therapy ( Cupping Therapy )

Cupping Therapy

What is cupping therapy and does it work for fibromyalgia? If you suffer from the devastating condition of fibromyalgia, you may wonder this exact question. There are medical treatments for fibromyalgia and there are alternative therapies for fibromyalgia. You, as a sufferer, probably have tried a few of both trying to find relief from your symptoms. Cupping therapy falls underneath the alternative therapies.

Alternative therapies are becoming more and more popular for fibromyalgia sufferers. Why? Because they work. And the good news is that most of the alternative therapies don't come along with the nasty side effects that a lot of the conventional medications do. But it is important that you do your research as there are a lot of hoky alternative therapies out there as well. So, let's take a look at what you need to know about cupping therapy so you know if it is a viable option for you.

So what is cupping therapy? Well, like a lot of our alternative therapies it comes from the Chinese. Surprised, of course not, since this is where a majority of alternative therapies come from. Cupping involves applying glass cups, hence the name, to the skin in order to help your body rid itself of toxins, pain, and increase circulation. I know this sounds a little weird for us to grasp but so did acupuncture when it was first introduced to the West. With cupping each glass is placed on various spots on your body and acts as a vacuum through heat and are left on your body for about 15 minutes.

There are two main ways that cupping are used. The first is massage cupping and it entails the glass cups are moved in a massage like patter around the skin. The benefits of massage cupping is less sore joints and muscles. The second method of cupping is stationary cupping where the glass cups are left untouched and not moved at all during the session.

Sound a little weird? Well, a typical cupping session generally involves using glass cups, cotton balls, rubbing alcohol, candles and matches. So, let's go through step by step and see how the session would play out. First, a cotton ball is soaked in alcohol and lit on fire, a vacuum is created inside the glass by the holding the cotton ball inside the cup. The heat causes the vacuum. Once this is done and there is suction the cotton ball is removed and the glass cup is placed to the trigger point on the skin. A typical session includes about 4 or 5 cups and sometimes 6 placed and left on the skin for no longer than 15 minutes.

Although this may sound a little weird and painful, it's not. Usually the typical person undergoing a cupping session only feels a slight suction feeling where the cup is placed. You may have little red rings on your skin afterward but they will fade.

There are benefits to the Fibromyalgia patient who goes through these sessions. You will see a definite change in your relaxation and feel calm. Cupping helps to release the toxins from your body and promotes quicker healing time of muscles, joints and all the achiness we often feel when we suffer from fibromyalgia. You will also see improved flexibility in your muscles. Another benefit is reduced pain from trigger points and it can also help your anxiety level go down and help your depression.

Cupping is a safe treatment for fibromyalgia when it is done by someone who is qualified. Never try this by yourself at home. Find a qualified massage therapist or visit a holistic treatment center. Cupping can provide great benefits to you and help in your overall healing of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

For more information on alternative healing techniques, visit http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com for all the up to date information and treatments. You will find free articles and healing tips to get you started back on the road to health.

Hailey Harris is an expert in fibromyalgia after suffering from devastating medical problems for more than 8 years. She is now symptom free and helping others to achieve their optimal health. Her site Ridfibromyalgia.com (http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com) is devoted to helping others achieve relief from their symptoms of fibromyalgia. There are free tips, info, and newsletters devoted to healing, as well as articles found at http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com/how.html

Cupping Therapy

How Can Suction Cupping Detoxify Your Body? ( Cupping Therapy )

Cupping Therapy

Massage Cupping is helpful for relief from muscle spasms, back pain, as well as arthritic and rheumatic problems. While stimulating the skin and underlying muscles, it promotes the release of toxins that have accumulated in the area and increases circulation of blood and lymph vessels.

Cupping Therapy also stimulates the organ-related reflex zones in the skin to further improve the function of inner organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys and intestines. Massage Cupping can also increase immunity in a particular area since the suction causes the release of a histamine-like substance in the skin which stimulates immune system response.

Detoxify with Suction Cupping

Other detoxification therapies are often used in conjunction to enhance the eliminator action of cupping. Other therapies combined with cupping can be used to treat chronic pain and discomfort more successfully, even where other therapies have failed. There are very few conditions in which cupping should not be used, such as high fever, skin disease, or if the person tends to bleed easily.

With fire cupping, a vacuum is created by air (heated by fire) in a glass cup placed flush against the patients skin. As the air cools in the cup, a vacuum forms that pulls up on the skin, stimulating the acupressure effect. This type of therapy is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis. It can also be used to treat back, neck, shoulder and other musculoskeletal pain. Cupping may feel uncomfortable, but the patient will not feel pain.

Cupping Therapy Is Used In The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Massage Cupping is widely used by Chinese medicine practitioners to treat colds, lung infections, and problems in the internal organs. Cupping can be used on people for whom the injection of acupuncture needles poses a problem or risk. Chinese medicine practitioners begin treatment by diagnosing a patient through interviews, examination of the pulse, tongue, and other parts of the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) strives to balance and improve the flow of qi, or life energy, which travels throughout the body in channels called meridians. Illness is caused when qi does not move properly in the body. Acupuncturists use cupping for specific problems in the flow of qi.

Balancing Your Body Energy with Cupping Therapy

Massage Cupping disperses and moves qi by exerting suction and pressure. Cupping is used when the qi is blocked at certain points, or when qi needs to be drawn to the surface of the body from deep within. For example, cupping is used to treat colds and lung infections because it is believed that suction disperses and energizes the qi that has become blocked and trapped in the lungs. Cupping can also pull out "wind-cold" that in Chinese medicine is believed to cause lung infections.

Suction cupping is becoming a very popular and effective therapy used by both Western and Eastern health care professionals to treat a wide range of problems such as the common cold, chronic pain, and internal organ problems.

Click here to learn more about Massage Cupping.

Cupping Therapy

The Healing Power of Cupping Can Treat Your Back Pain ( Cupping Therapy )

Cupping Therapy

Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy that many of us have heard of but may not be sure of what it actually does. Well the good news is that it can help with back pain relief to injured or tight muscles and improve circulation of the blood. Most qualified acupuncturists are also trained in the art of cupping, whereby glass or plastic cups are placed on the affected muscle by applying suction. They are generally left on from three to fifteen minutes according to the judgement of the practitioner.

Whilst the cups are on the affected area, the muscle fibres are drawn into the cup by the suction hence loosening up the muscle and relieving pain. If a specific injury has occurred, small blood vessels within the muscle fibres will have been ruptured causing blood to pool within the muscle and get stuck there forming a type of glue that makes movement even more difficult and painful, cupping can help draw this blood out onto the surface of the skin.

Cupping is also often used in the treatment of frozen shoulders and swollen joints like knee joints, this is because, as well as blood, cupping can also draw out body fluids. When either of these is drawn out they don't come out in liquid form, but draw dark circles on the skin where the cups have been. The first time you are cupped you will probably see quite dark circles remaining which last for a few days, and as the treatments are repeated they should become less coloured as the area is healing. Do not be concerned about these marks as they are all part of the healing process, however you may want to dress accordingly for a few days so if you are planning a day at the beach it may not be such a good idea so soon after your treatment.

There are certain conditions for which cupping may not be appropriate, these include pregnancy, diabetes, lupus, haemophilia or any type of blood circulation disorder and in these cases your therapist or doctor will advise you. If you are adverse to the bruising and discoloration effect it may not be the right treatment for you either. If you do decide to go ahead make sure you find a registered practitioner who will talk you through the treatment and assess if it is appropriate for your condition before starting any treatment. Personally I think that in the battle to find back pain relief, having researched the subject thoroughly, I'm ready to give it a try.

Jan Griffiths maintains a regular blog about chronic back pain, and has written many articles specifically on upper back pain relief.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping in Chinese Medicine ( Cupping Therapy )

Cupping Therapy

Chinese Medicine has been around for five thousand years. Cupping is just one of the treatments found in the practice. Along with the Chinese, the Egyptians and Islamic world have a history of cupping that goes back to thousands of years also.

To start out the cups were made from bamboo, horn, clay pottery and bronze. Today the modern cup can be made from glass, plastic and rubber. To make the vacuum, fire and hot water or oil would be used to heat up the cup. This would heat the air inside the cup, expanding the air in it. Then the heated cup would be place on oiled skin, when the air-cooled, a vacuum would be made by the shrinking air inside.

Today, a flame made by a candle or a cotton ball soaked in alcohol heats the cups. Some times alcohol is put in the cup a lit to heat it. A safer way to form a vacuum today is to use a vacuum pump that fits an air valve on top of the cup. The hand pump used, has much more control of the vacuum applied, and no threat of being burned by heat.

The main sections of the body that the cups are used on are the back and stomach. Sometimes the legs and arms will have cups put on them too. The cups made of rubber will conform to the bony parts of the body, but the fleshy parts of the body are generally used the most.

Much of the cupping done today is the dry type. The wet type of cupping is used when some blood loss is wanted. The skin is pierced before the cup is placed on. Under vacuum, a small amount of blood will flow out into the cup. This is used to pull out toxins and bad blood from the body.

The main conditions that cupping is used for are Respiratory conditions like bronchitis, asthma and congestion. Gynecological Disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and pain have been treated successfully also with cupping.

After the treatment, you will have marks left on the cupping areas. These marks can be as little as red rings where the cup mouth edges were put, up to round bruises that are the size of the cup mouth. The marks are large and deeper colored as the time the cups were left on increases. Generally, the marks should be gone in just a few days time.

D. Mill likes to write about Chinese Medicine. Go to his web site [http://healthyfitness-diet.com] to find out more about cupping and Chinese Medicine [http://healthyfitness-diet.com/traditional-chinese-medicine/cupping-therapy/] in general.

Cupping Therapy

Effective Back Pain Relief Using Cupping Massage ( Cupping Therapy )

Cupping Therapy

I was introduced to cupping four years ago while being treated for an auto collision injury. It is a traditional treatment, which uses the application of suction cups to the body. My chiropractor had just hired a massage therapist who was very interested in naturopathic medicine and holistic healing. With three children under the age of five, and having sustained other injuries as well, I was suffering from excruciating back pain and was eager to find something that provided immediate relief. It only took one treatment to get me hooked. I was on the prowl to find my own cup set, so my partner could help treat me at home.

Cupping is considered to be part of the study of acupuncture, but it can be used alone (no needles involved), or in conjunction to acupuncture treatments. The cups can be left in one spot, or you can have someone slide the cup(s) along your back. I use a combination of the two methods for optimum pain management.

There are many cultures that use some form of cupping in their folk medicine, and as a little girl I saw family members using cupping therapy for a variety of ailments such as pain or injury, respiratory issues, digestive problems, even skin care such as treating eczema and cellulite reduction. I use it to loosen the muscle knots in my back. The cupping therapy works by enabling circulation to injured sites. This speeds up healing by reducing swelling, and allowing toxins to be expelled.

Modern cup sets come with a simple pump. If you choose to leave the cups in place, the pump is removed and the cup sits on the surface of your skin for about five to twenty minutes. If you opt for the "sliding" method, lotion or massage oil can be applied prior to applying a light suction, and the cup(s) can be moved in any direction. Circular motions directly on problem areas work wonders for me.

A more traditional method uses Fire-Cupping. A vacuum is created by soaking a cotton ball in alcohol, lighting it, and placing it inside the cup for a few seconds. The fire sucks out all the oxygen in the cup, producing the suction. The cup is then placed on your skin, and treatment is the same as with using the modern cups. Fire-Cupping does not burn or feel hot on your body.

Cupping should not hurt, although it may leave a mark which should go away within a few hours to a week. Cupping can be extremely relaxing, and children do very well with it. My five-year old daughter absolutely loves being cupped before bedtime.

If you suffer from back pain or any of the other ailments listed, I highly encourage you to seek a professional acupuncturist, or massage technician who specializes in cupping therapy. For maximum results, I also recommend using white flower oil during the massage, or applying an analgesic patch (such as Salonpas) after the treatment.

Kaira Nguyen is an aspiring midwife, who is always looking into alternative forms of healing. Kaira's company, CyberClectic, provides Virtual Assistant services to sales professionals.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping Massage Provides Deep Tissue Massage Without Compression ( Cupping Therapy )

Cupping Therapy

What if you could have the benefits of deep tissue massage without the deep pressure? Cupping massage offers that alternative. Standard deep massage uses deep pressure to help break up and get rid of scar tissue from previous injuries and adhesion's (stuck together tissue) from the stresses of daily living. In contrast, cupping massage uses suction and negative pressure to affect the deeper muscles.

How Cupping Works

Modern cupping massage grew out of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice of cupping therapy. In traditional cupping therapy, the TCM practitioner places a flame inside a glass, pottery, or bamboo cup. The flame draws the oxygen out of the cup, creating a vacuum, and the practitioner quickly places the open end of the cup on your body.

The vacuum in the cup creates a seal on your skin that has a suction and negative pressure that lifts your skin and underlying tissue. This stimulation causes blood to rush to the area and improves qi flow. Typically, TCM practitioners leave the cups in one place (stationary cupping) for about ten minutes, although practitioners do sometimes move the cups (running cupping) in a massage fashion.

Modern Deep Tissue Cupping Massage

A main difference between traditional and massage cupping is that a massage practitioner uses the cups to perform massage strokes, such as scooping the edge of the cup over a muscle, vigorous circles, or long strokes along the muscles. Before placing cups on your skin, the massage practitioner applies oil to your skin to make moving them easier and smoother.

Some massage practitioners use the technique already described (called fire cupping). Another, newer, technique uses a manual vacuum set. The practitioner places a cup on your body and uses an attached pump to remove the air.

In Eastern terms, the suction and negative pressure of deep tissue cupping massage breaks up local qi stagnation. In Western terms, you can think of qi stagnation as poor blood circulation or poor movement of lymphatic fluid. The potential benefits of cupping massage include:

• Relaxes tight muscles
• Drains excess fluids and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways
• Loosens adhesion's and scar tissue by lifting connective tissue
• Stimulates circulation.

Considerations

Cupping massage causes the skin to become red, which indicates that blood is coming to the surface. The suction draws the skin up into the cup, causing the surface blood vessels to expand. This suction can cause discoloration, because a small amount of blood may leak from peripheral capillaries. The discoloration usually fades within a few days.

As with all types of massage, this type of massage is not for everyone, so make sure your massage practitioner is aware of all your medical conditions. Conditions for which massage cupping is inappropriate include inflamed skin, high fever, convulsions or cramping, and easy bleeding. Also, cupping is not appropriate on the abdominal area or lower back of pregnant women.

Catherine Roe is a professional Holistic Massage and Reflexology Therapist with a particular interest in Aromatherapy and the use of Essential Oils to restore balance and improve health. To subscribe to her newsletter and learn more on the Benefits of Massage Therapy visit http://www.dublin-massage-therapy.com.

Cupping Therapy

Chinese Medicine Cupping ( Cupping Therapy )

Cupping Therapy

Chinese medicine uses many modalities of healing; acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, and diet therapy make up the most commonly used and Chinese medicine cupping is gaining in popularity. Maybe some of you saw the photo a few years ago of Gwyneth Paltrow on the red carpet with a backless dress and cupping marks all up her spine? Sometimes it takes a little popular culture to remind us of ancient ways of healing!

The therapy of cupping has been used in China for thousands of years. At first it was applied using cattle horns or cross sections of bamboo. To create negative pressure inside the horn or bamboo these ancient 'cups' where boiled in water or fire was ignited to expel the air and suck the cups onto the skin. These cups were used mostly to draw out pus and blood in the treatment of boils. Cupping was originally used as an auxiliary method in traditional Chinese surgery. Later it was found to be useful in treating other diseases and developed into a special therapeutic method.

The earliest record of cupping is in the Bo Shu (an ancient book written on silk), which was discovered in a tomb of the Han Dynasty. Several other ancient texts mention Chinese medicine cupping. Several centuries later another famous medical classic, Su Sen Liang Fang, recorded an effective cure for chronic cough and the successful treatment of poisonous snake bites using cupping therapy.

Through several thousand years of accumulated clinical experience, the clinical applications of cupping have become increasingly wide. Now Chinese medicine cupping is used to treat arthritic symptoms, asthma, the common cold, chronic cough, indigestion problems and some skin conditions.

There is a saying in China: "Acupuncture and cupping, more than half of the ills cured." Zhao Xue Ming, a doctor practicing more than 200 years ago, compiled a book entitled Ben Cong Gang Mu She Yi, in which he describes in detail the history and origin of different kinds of cupping and cup shapes, functions and applications.

In mainland China the development of cupping therapy has been rapid. In the 1950's the clinical efficacy of cupping was confirmed by the co-research of China and acupuncturists from the former Soviet Union, and was established as an official therapeutic practice in hospitals all over China.

Today, as more people (including Gwyneth) seek alternative therapies to deal with their health problems, the use of  traditional Chinese medicine, including cupping is increasing. Much of the cupping equipment and methods used today are exactly the same as they were in ancient times. Some electronic or mechanized pumps have been invented, and suction cups introduced, but to a great extent the majority of people practicing cupping today still use horn, bamboo or glass cups. One reason that cupping techniques remain the same as in ancient times is due to the fact that, with the exception of a handful of acupuncture practitioners, cupping is generally practiced in rural area where no or very little modern medicine is available.

Cupping affects the flow of Qi and blood. It helps draw out and eliminate pathogenic factors such as wind, cold, damp and heat. Cupping also moves Qi and Blood and opens the pores of the skin, thus precipitating the removal of pathogens through the skin itself.

My first experience of cupping was when I had a bad cold and my acupuncturist applied cups to my back. First my back was rubbed with fragrant oil and, as I lay face down, the cups were applied. I could feel their edges digging into my flesh and then a gentle warmth and release as my skin was pulled up and away from my body. Once the cups were firmly in place and sucking up my skin, the practitioner moved them up and down my back. (This is called walking cups.) I was left to rest with the cups on my back. Once I got up from the table I felt much improved, the heaviness in my chest was gone and I had bright purple suction cup marks along my back, not unlike Gwyneth Paltrow in the photo of her - post cupping. The purple marks didn't hurt or bother me at all. They disappeared after a couple days along with my cold. Cupping provided relief from my cough and effective treatment of my cold.

Jennifer Gawne is a registered Traditional Chinese Medicine herbalist and instructor at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences, a world-class TCM and Acupuncture School situated in the beautiful mountain town of Nelson, British Columbia. ACOS offers 3, 4 & 5 year fully-accredited diploma programs including acquisition of the Mandarin language. To experience Chinese Medicine Cupping for yourself, search out an acupuncturist in your area, or visit the ACOS Outpatient Clinic.

Cupping Therapy

New Alternative Therapy Treatment For Pain ( Cupping Therapy )

Cupping Therapy

So what is cupping?

Cupping is a method of relieving local congestion by applying a partial vacuum which is created in cup or cups, either by heat or by suction. Cupping has been used for thousands of years. Although it is often associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine, the entire world once knew this therapy and used it. The Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese used cupping therapy. The oldest recorded medical textbook, Ebers Papyrus, written in approximately 1550 BCE in Egypt mentions cupping (Curtis, 2005). In the UK the practice of Cupping Therapy also dates back a long way with one of the leading medical journals 'The Lancet' being named after this practice as it means the surgical instrument that can scrape the skin to do cupping.

Types of Cupping
There are various different types of cupping such as:

1.Light Cupping: Use a weak suction in cup to do light cupping , it is suitable for children and elderly people.

2.Medium Cupping: A medium strength, general purpose cupping.

3.Strong Cupping: Suction will be great and therefore it is not suitable for children and elderly people.

4.Moving Cupping or Massage Cupping, is a great method of massage and will be done by applying oil to the skin and moving the cup, by a weak suction, on the area to be treated.

5.Needle Cupping: We do acupuncture and cupping in the same place by applying the needle first then the cup is applied over it.

6.Hot Cupping: Dried Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) leaves, sometimes called by its oriental name Moxa is a great warming herb. We use a needle, warmed by Dried Mugwort, then the cup is applied over it.

7.Flash Cupping is the name given when several medium cuppings are preformed several times in quick succession along the area being treated to stimulate it.

8.Bleeding Cupping, also called Full Cupping or Wet Cupping, it is the most frequently used, oldest and often most effective method. A surgical instrument is use to scrape the skin and the cup is then applied to collect blood.

9.Herbal Cupping: We put a suitable herbal tincture into the cup then applying suction.
10.Water Cupping is the least practiced method. It involves filling a third of the cup with warm water. Whilst holding the cup close to the client with one hand, bring it close to the point to be cupped and insert burning cotton wool into the cup, then swiftly and simultaneously turn the cup onto the skin. When performed properly, no water spillage occurs.

Conditions Which Can Benefit From Cupping

Conditions which can benefit from cupping include headache, back pain, joint and muscular pain, infertility, sexual disorders, rheumatic diseases, hypertension, breast enhancement, bed wetting, common colds and flu, insomnia, stroke, fever, constipation and diarrhea, chest pain, asthma and blood disorders.

Precautions and Contra-Indications

Always take sensible precautions when using cupping. These include:

Sterilization: this is the main key to success

Use Suitable Cups for the area being treated.

Take Extra Care with children and the elderly.

Do Not apply strong cupping to the face

Do Not treats pregnant women.

Do Not use cupping on inflamed or cut skin.

Take Extra Care when scraping the skin and do not cut a vein or artery.

Do Not treats people with a serious heart disease.

Applying Cupping on Acupuncture Points

In the Journal of Biomechanics (2005), researchers L. M. Thama, H. P. Leea, and C. Lua state that "Cupping is known to be effective alternative to needles in stimulating acupoints in acupuncture treatment. One of the major advantages must be that transmission of blood-borne diseases can be avoided since the skin is not penetrated."

Therefore we can use cupping as an alternative to acupuncture, or in conjunction with it. Many researchers have investigated and demonstrated the benefits of cupping and I think that it will be the most used alternative medical practice very soon.
by Tamer Shaban M.B.B.C.H, Physician, D.H.P. , D.C.M.T, S.N.H.S Dip. (Nutrition)

S.N.H.S Dip. (Herbalism), I.R.F member, Reiki master
Member of the Royle Institute of Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy
Member of the Complete Mind therapists Association
Member of the International Reiki Federation.
For More Information Go to http://www.cuppingtherapy.info and receive your free gift.

Cupping Therapy

Suction Cup Massage ( Cupping Therapy )

Cupping Therapy



History of massage cupping therapy
The cup massage was passed down from one generation to the next from ancient china to the present day world. The first cups for massages were made from animal horns that had been hollowed out. In the early years, animal horn cups were used in treatment of snake bites to help remove the toxins and in the treatment of skin lesions. Ancient Egyptian text documents the use of cup massage.

Back during the 18th century up through the beginning of the 20th century, it was prevalent in most homes and frequently used for colds, congestion and coughs. Cup massage was practiced by doctors in America at the end of the 18th century.

What is massage cupping?
Massage cupping is basically a reversed massage; traditional massage pushes inward while the suction cups lift the skin and underlying tissues outward from the body.
It is a method of providing stimulation by application of cups to the skin. A vacuum is created enhancing blood flow and relaxing tight muscles. The therapy reduces back pain and body stiffness. Suction cup massage may be followed with an application of essential oils, liniments, or analgesics.
Suction cups are placed on the body usually to the back to provide manipulation. Application of lubricant topically before placing the cups can assist with obtaining a tight seal and ease in gliding the cups during treatment. The ancient method used heat to extract the air from the cup but modernized cups allow for mechanical extraction with a hand pump. Cupping is usually applied on nodal sites but non nodal regions can be used also.

How does cupping therapy work?
The suction creates negative pressure draining excessive fluids along with toxins from the tissues. It also provides stimulation to the peripheral nervous system bringing increased blood circulation providing oxygenation to skin and muscles that have been stagnant. Adhesions are loosened and knots in the soft tissues smoothed away.

How does it feel?
A suction cup massage will take about 20 minutes including suction time of around 5 minutes and relaxation time of about 15 minutes. The therapy produces a feeling of warmth on the body. If pain or discomfort is felt the session should be ended. The skin will probably turn red indicating the increased circulation on the surface of the skin.

Benefits of cupping therapy
· Tight muscles are loosened
· Complete body relaxation
· Chronic pain is diminished
· Blood pressure is lowered
· Skin Tone is enhanced
· Promotes restful and peaceful sleep
· Concentration is improved
· Immune system is strengthened
· Improves range of motion
· Improves flexibility
· Relieves tiredness
· Relieves muscle aches
· Reduces cellulite
· Removes neck tension
Suction cup massage has unlimited possibilities with other modalities for overall health and pain management. The equipment is economical and easy for practitioners to maintain for patient therapy.

Take control of you pain. Click here to learn more about Massage Cupping Treatment.
Find great health products including suction cupping sets. You can do massaging cupping at home or visit a acupuncturist.

Cupping Therapy