Cupping therapy

Cupping is a method of applying acupressure by creating a vacuum on the patient’s skin.

The practice of cupping dates back to 1000 B.C. and has been used by ancient Egyptians,in Africa, north America and many parts of Asia and Europe.

To apply a cup, the air inside it is heated, the cup is applied to the skin forming an air-tight seal, the air inside the cup cools and contracts forming a vacuum, enabling the cup to suck the skin, pulling in soft tissue, and drawing blood to that area. 

The therapy is used to dispel stagnation—stagnant blood and lymph, thereby improving flow of Qi (life energy)—to treat respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia and bronchitis. Cupping is used on back, neck, shoulder and other musculoskeletal conditions.