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Acupuncture

Moxibustion

5 Elements

 

Cupping has been a element of Chinese medicine for centuries and is practiced today by many acupuncturists and herbalists.  Often, it is used as an alternative to acupuncture and can be utilized at most acupuncture points and meridians.

 

Cupping is the treatment of disease by suction of the skin surface.  The most common way of creating a vacuum inside the cup is to burn something inside the cup, for instance a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or a candle. The burning uses up the oxygen inside the cup, which lowers the concentration of the air inside thus producing a partial vacuum. The cup is then quickly turned upside down--the open end placed on the skin. The partial vacuum holds the cup in place.  If necessary, oil can be placed on the skin ahead of time so that the cup can be moved around.

 

Cups are most often made of thick glass that the acupuncturist can view the skin beneath the cup. The vacuum causes underlying tissues to be drawn up into the cups, pulling inner congestion in the body up and out. This is excellent at stimulating blood flow and for breaking down congested muscles.

 

Cupping can clinically be used by itself or combined with acupuncture and/or moxibustion  to enhance treatment outcome.

It is a very pleasant experience.

 

The skin will appear reddened and bruised after the cup is removed signaling an effective job. This marking can take several days to disappear, but will eventually disappear. The person should notice an immediate difference in their condition, whether it be congestion or pain.

 

Applications of cupping are called for in varying conditions such as back and shoulder pain due to muscle tightness or strain, stiff neck, cough and asthma.  The procedure also helps to dispel cold symptoms, and the diminishment of swelling and pain.