Cupping
Cupping refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced by suctioning out air, so that the skin and superficial muscle layer are drawn into and held in the cup. In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a pulling of the skin and muscle.
The therapy helps to relieve "stagnation" and is used mainly in the treatment of lung diseases, especially chronic cough and asthma, the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Cupping is also used to relieve back, neck, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal pain. It is very effective in breaking up adhesions in connective tissue.
Cupping is sometimes applied to certain acupuncture points, as well as to regions of the body that are affected by deep rooted pain. When the cups are moved along the surface of the skin a lubricant is applied allowing the cup to slide more easily.
Generally the cup is left in place for about 5–15 minutes. The skin becomes reddened due to the congestion of blood flow. The cup is removed by pressing the skin along side it to allow some outside air to leak into it, thus equalizing the pressure and releasing it. A certain amount of bruising is expected both from fixed position cupping or from gliding of the cups.
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