Cupping is an alternative therapy used to reduce pain and stimulate blood flow to a specific area. In fact, some of the oldest descriptions of cupping date back to 1,550 BC in the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest existing medical texts unearthed in Egypt. Cupping has been used for thousands of years in Africa, the Middle East and in China.

Cupping with Acupuncture

Now, skilled acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners have been using cupping, often combined with acupuncture, for over 3000 years for everything from the common cold to trauma to internal disease.  In fact, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad describe cupping as an approved treatment and even go on to say “”The Hijama (cupping) is the best of your remedies”.

Professional Athletes Use it for Relief and Recovery

The method of cupping may vary. Some acupuncturists will use fire to create suction inside of a glass/ bone/ bamboo “cup.” Others will use metal or glass cups (without fire) and manually tighten the cups onto the area to treat to stimulate the same effect. With either method, the cupping device adheres to the skin, lifting the fascia and separating it from the sub-fascia to unblock stagnation of Qi (vital energy, an essential component of Chinese Medicine), blood, lymph or tissue.  It feels a bit like a deep tissue massage at times and can either be stationary or moving cups based on the individual case.

Recently, a Hollywood starlet raised a stir when she strolled the red carpet proudly displaying the telltale circular marks that sometimes result from a cupping session.  Needless to say, the red marks do eventually go away and you are left with much relief from what ails you.  World class athletes such as Michael Phelps and some female gymnasts have been seen with cupping marks on their body. Cupping is used for quick pain relief on a sore area, and also for maintenance and to speed up recovery.

What to Expect with Cupping

Cupping does not hurt, but you may feel tightness where the cups are placed on the body. After cupping, you may have some red circles for a few days on the areas treated. It may reduce pain and inflammation and increase blood flow and circulation to the area. This method of pain relief is most often provided by acupuncturists, but chiropractors, physical therapists, medical doctors or some massage therapists may provide cupping.

To learn more about Classical Chinese Medicine or cupping and acupuncture please call or schedule with our highly skilled, Chinese medicine trained acupuncturist.