Cupping

The first known mention of the ancient Chinese practice of cupping is in TheHandbook of Prescriptions, an early fourth century text written by the herbalist Ge Hong. It appears to have become particularly popular during the Qing and Tang dynasties with herbalist manuals from this era describing the practice in great detail and noting especially the beneficial effects of what translates as fire jar qi for alleviating headaches, abdominal pain and dizziness.

The first practitioners hollowed out animal’s horns to make cups which were then heated and placed upside down on the patient’s body to create a vacuum over the desired meridian or acupoint (the points where different circuits of qi – vital life energy – intersect).Here in Toronto in the 21st century we use plastic or thick glass for the same purpose though traditional iron, pottery and bamboo cups are still in use elsewhere in the world. As our Best of Chinese Medicine clinic we prefer to use glass so that we can see the effects of the vacuum on the skin beneath and so can monitor more easily how the treatment is progressing.

What happens during cupping and what can it treat?

We think that cupping works in much the same way as acupuncture by stimulating the blood flow in and around the meridians or acupoints to remove blockages that are preventing qi (vital life energy) from flowing smoothly around the body.

At Best of Chinese Medicine we heat up our thick glass cups by burning a wad of alcohol-soaked cotton wool inside. Once the cup is sufficiently warmed we take out the cotton and invert the cup over the desired area to be treated. The burning of the cotton wool removes all oxygen which creates a vacuum inside the cup so that when it is inverted and placed on the body it draws up the skin and flesh beneath as it cools. The cup is left in place for 5-10 minutes, during which time it exerts a gentle pressure on the meridian, opens the pores, stimulates the blood’s circulation, breaks down obstructions, allows toxins to flow out of the acupoint and in this way realigns and balances the healthy flow of qi. Cupping is generally used on the fleshier areas of the body such as the stomach, back, and occasionally legs and arms. The exact number of cups used and the amount of time they are left in place depends on the condition being treated.

We may also decide to apply herbal and/or medicated oils to the treatment area just before applying the cups. This allows us to slide the cups along the body keeping the vacuum intact but varying the amount of pressure that is exerted on the acupoints, which can further aid in breaking down and removing qi blockages.

Cupping is primarily used in China as a treatment for congestion, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory disorders, some types of pain, and gastroenteritis and other abdominal conditions. It can also help to reduce swelling and alleviate depression.