Acupuncture

Cupping Therapy

Cupping is a technique that has a long history of use in acupuncture practice. Cupping can be seen as a therapy in its own right and was originally called "horn therapy". There are also variations adopted in other countries such as Greece, France, Italy, Turkey, Eastern Europe and even as far as South America.

Cupping is generally considered a painless procedure and is a safe, non-invasive, inexpensive technique, which practitioners use to treat a myriad of conditions, like colds and flu, upper respiratory infections, and problems of the internal organs. Recently, cupping has been recognised as effective for muscular pain, bone pain and spasms, particularly on the back and shoulders. Cupping therapy stimulates micro blood circulation to the localized area and disperses localized congestion.

A vacuum seal on the skin, is created by a flame from a burning cotton ball held with in forceps, placed in an upside-down cup. When the oxygen in the cup is exhausted, the glass cup is placed directly on to the skin where it is held in place by a strong suction.

More than one cup at a time, is often used and may be left for several minutes, or removed quickly and placed elsewhere. Cups are sometimes placed over an acupuncture needle that has been inserted. Moving or sliding cupping, which is a variation, may also be performed, first by rubbing the skin with a small amount of oil - which permits the cups to slide with ease.

Cupping causes blood to be drawn to the surface of the skin, red marks, swelling, and circular bruising can appear. These marks will subside with in a few hours or days.

Cupping may precede an acupuncture treatment in some conditions; in other specific situations a cup may be placed over a needle and retained there for some time. In some specialized treatments the cup may be placed over a point that has deliberately been bled, thus stimulating the flow of blood.

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