A - Z Guide

What is Chinese Cupping?

Chinese Cupping is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique sometimes used by Acupuncturists in the treatment of 'cold, damp and wind' problems,such as bronchitis, colds and arthritis. By placing warm glass, metal, wood or bamboo cups in an up-turned position on specific acupoints, blood and energy is brought to the surface and surrounding areas.

History Of Chinese Cupping

The earliest recording of Chinese Cupping was in 281 AD and traditionally used bamboo cups boiled in an herbal decoction just prior to applying to the skin. By the 20th Century, glass cups were introduced and were deemed to be able to stand higher degrees of usage without deteriorating or breaking. Today plastic cups are sometimes used doing away with the traditional firing method, allowing the application to be carried out safely.

What happens during a Chinese Cupping treatment?

Whilst laying on your stomach, cups heated up using alcohol and a flame are placed over areas of skin on your back. As the air inside the cup cools, the skin is sucked up inside. Chinese Cupping can be applied to various areas on your body depending on which specific organs are being targeted. It is normal to experience bruising after the procedure but they are not painful and only last a couple of days.

What is Chinese Cupping used for?

• joint pain
• muscle injury
• headaches
• infections
• bronchial congestion

Chinese Cupping is popular amongst celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Britney Spears.

If you are interested in other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicines then you may like to consider Chinese Energetic Healing , Chinese Face Massage , Chinese Foot Massage , Tui Na Massage.