Cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese method where cups are used to create pressure in the form of vacuum. This therapy is originated from the concept of applying heated vessels on the body in order to provide some relief from pain. Cupping therapy uses heat as well as some mechanical tools to create the vacuum. This therapy draws up the fundamental tissues as the cup is placed on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and local healing takes place.This therapy was commonly practiced in ancient China and Egypt.
the main aim behind this was to restore balance and treat diseases and structural disorders. Cupping therapy focuses on creating vacuum by placing cups on the body parts of an individual. It includes the local congestion and vacuum, which is generally created by heating or by suction.The cupping therapy is based on the principle of meridians of the Chinese medicine. There are two ways to perform cupping therapy, which includes by using fire or heat and the other is the dry cupping. It is generally applied to certain acupuncture points and those parts of the body that have been effected by severe pain. It has greater stress on the back acupuncture due to the ease with which it can be performed on the back. Back shu points or bladder meridian and the dazhui are the points often used by the therapists.
Fire cupping
In this type of cupping, a cotton ball is soaked in alcohol and then placed inside a sterilized cup. The cup is then turned upside down and placed on the patient's body. As a result, the air in the cup is used up and vacuum is created. If necessary, the cup can then be moved along the meridians of the body in order to bring the healing of any particular area.
Dry cupping
The second way of this is usually done in areas that consists poor blood supply and cupping is one of the best method to improve the blood circulation in that area. The skin may appear aching after the treatment but it usually disappears after some days.
