Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) usually brings to mind acupuncture and the use of Chinese herbs as healing remedies. Cupping is a lesser-known treatment that is also part of TCM, one that can provide an especially pleasant experience. There has been much hype about cupping in the media recently, especially since the Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps, donned his “cupping marks” in his Olympic races, yet cupping has ancient roots. One of the earliest documentations of cupping can be found in the work titled A Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies, which was written by a Taoist herbalist by the name of Ge Hong and which dates all the way back to 300 AD.
Cupping is a technique that uses small glass/plastic/silicone cups as suction devices that are placed on the skin. Suction is created in different ways according to the kind of cup that is selected. In my practice, I prefer to use glass cups as they are the most versatile and easy to clean and sterilize. Glass cups require the use of fire to heat the air that’s inside of the cup and therefore its also known as “fire cupping”. As the air cools it contracts, creating a vacuum inside the cup which is then applied to the skin. The skin and superficial muscle layers are then drawn up into the cup. Cups can either be left in place and retained for a few minutes or they can be moved across the skin after the application of a lubricating agent (often referred to as “gliding/walking” cupping). Plastic/silicone cups can be utilized in similar ways as the glass cups. However plastic cups do not slide as easily for the purpose of walking cups. Whether the cups are retained or “walked” will depend on the desired effect of treatment.
Perhaps the foremost reason individuals turn to cupping therapy is to seek relief from joint and muscle pain. Cupping therapy promotes blood circulation, bringing the “old” blood to the skin surface so that “new” oxygenated blood circulation may be restored, thereby the associated pain is relieved.
Cupping therapy is also used to promote relaxation and has a sedative effect. Similar to that of acupuncture, endorphins can be released in the system that help to alleviate pain. With the alleviation of physical discomfort and pain, people naturally feel more relaxed and their stress levels lower. Sometimes just the act of laying still during the session and being taken care of can have a positive effect on the individual’s ability to relax.
Cupping works on toning and firming the skin by improving blood circulation, expanding the blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface, and removing toxins from the body. Among its skin enhancing properties, cupping is also used to treat conditions like cellulite and acne. The therapy works by stimulating the flow of lymphatic fluid which helps remove bacteria and transports proteins to different parts of the body resulting in smoother looking skin.
When therapy cups are placed on specific points of the individual’s body like the upper back where the lungs are located, the procedure can be used to clear out the build-up of phlegm, fluid, or heat-toxins in the area, thereby alleviating cough, cold, and other respiratory conditions.
Cupping is a wonderful example of what is old becomes new again. It has numerous health benefits and is generally a pleasant, relaxing experience. Cupping does have some contraindications and is not suitable for everyone, therefore it is best applied by a qualified health care practitioner.
Dove Sprout (R.TCM.P) and her husband, Paul Gaucher (R.TCM.P) co-own Creston Acupuncture & Natural Health. They work at the Full Circle Health Centre, which also offers Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, and Counselling services. For more information or to book an appointment, call the clinic at 250-402-2044. For further questions about what acupuncture and herbal medicine can treat, you can e-mail Dove at acupuncturebydove@gmail.com.