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 using change in heat or by suctioning out air), so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup.

The earliest use of cupping that is recorded is from the famous Taoist alchemist and herbalist, Ge Hong (281–341 A.D.).  The method was described in his book "A Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies".

The fleshy areas of the body are preferred sites for cupping (particularly moving cupping), and a small hand-operated pump is attached so that the practitioner can suction out air. The modern name for cupping is baguanfa (suction cup therapy).

The suction created by cupping pulls stagnant fluids to the surface, removes toxic pathogens and promotes fresh oxygenated, nutrient rich blood & lymph.

Cupping is used for the treatment of pain, gastro-intestinal disorders, lung diseases (especially chronic cough and asthma) and GYN disorders.

Additional benefits of cupping including:

• Facilitates the movement of Qi and Blood systemically and locally
• Dispels wind, damp and cold to treat muscle and joint pain, stiffness, and arthritis
• Strengthens the immune system by promoting the flow of wei qi
• Treats excess heat conditions, fever, stress, depression and anxiety
• Cleans the blood and lymph and helps to balance PH levels

Cups come in varying sizes