WHAT IS IT? This therapy has been used since ancient times and was used by ancient Chinese, Egyptians and Middle Eastern cultures. Originally, animal horns or bamboo were used. Later, ceramic was used. The cups were heated with fire and placed on the skin, thus creating suction. There are records of its use dating as far back as 1550 BC.
In modern-day the treatment uses glass cups with an opening on one end. These are placed on the skin and heated, creating a suction effect. The two most common methods performed these days are wet cupping, which is a suction method with controlled bleeding, and dry cupping which is a suction method only.
WHAT DOES IT DO? Cupping is used to promote overall health by removing blockages and creating better blood flow. Cupping can increase blood circulation to the areas where they have been placed, thus promoting cell repair and forming new tissue and new blood vessels. Most practitioners apply them on the meridians. This in turn this helps Chi, the energy which is responsible for your overall health, to flow through your body.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Cupping has been used extensively for pain relief and sore muscles. Other benefits include improved immune function and relief for migraines, neck and back pain, cough, skin disease, acne, disc herniation and high cholesterol levels.