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Cupping is
a traditional Chinese medicine technique that is utilised by
many TCM practitioners to alter a patients suffering or as part
of an existing treatment. The technique is said to influence
the flow of both Qi and Blood throughout the body and or meridians.
Cupping was originally called "horn therapy", but
there are also variations adopted in other countries such as
Greece, France, Italy, Turkey, Eastern Europe and even as far
as South America. Cupping's long history of use in acupuncture
practice has been well noted, however, it can be seen as a therapy
in its own right.
Cupping is a safe, non-invasive, and an inexpensive technique,
which practitioners use to treat a myriad of conditions, like
colds & flus, upper respiratory infections, and problems
of the internal organs. Recently, cupping has been in the media
for muscular pain, bone pain and spasms, particularly on the
back and shoulders. Cupping therapy stimulates micro blood circulation,
to the localised area.
Treatments begin with a comprehensive diagnosis of the patient
through questioning, pulse & tongue examinations and other
methods. The goals in TCM are to balance and improve the flow
of Qi and Blood. When Qi or Blood has been influenced, by
either cold or injury, blood stagnation (pain) will develop.
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Cupping disperses and moves Qi and Blood by exerting
suction and pressure on the prescribed area. Cupping is primarily
used when the Qi is inhibited at certain points, or when Qi
stagnation needs to be drawn to the surface of the body from
deep within. For instance, cupping can be used to pull out such
conditions as "wind-cold", which in Chinese medicine
is believed to be an exogenous pathogenic factor, which will
affect the Lung organ. In this manner it can treat Cough, Congestion,
and Tightness in the Chest.
To create a vacuum seal on the skin, a flame from a burning
cotton ball held with in forceps is placed in and out an upside-down
cup (see pics above). 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. Often, the skin inside the
cup visibly rises with the suction. There are also cups available
that use manual hand pumping instead of the traditional burning
type to create the suction. Cupping is generally considered
a painless procedure.
More than one cup at a time, in varying sizes, is used to cover
an area thoroughly. Cups 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. After a cupping session,
patients may wish to remain lying down for several minutes.
When cups are used to treat colds and flus patients are advised
to wrap up in blankets to stay warm after the treatment. Acupuncturists
may also prescribe herbal remedies, dietary changes, and other
health recommendations, to coincide with the treatment.
Cupping causes blood to be drawn to the surface of the skin,
red marks, swelling, and circular bruising can appear .These
marks shall subside with in a few hours or days.
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