Fire Cupping is one of the oldest methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Using cups made of thick glass or plastic, although bamboo, iron and pottery cups were often used in ancient times and may be seen used in other countries or in ones personal use. In a typical cupping session, glass cups are warmed using an alcohol soaked cotton ball, lit, then placed inside the cup. The flame inside the cup removes all the oxygen, which creates a vacuum, and the cup is immediately applied to a specific location or meridian on the surface of the skin to address more specific maladies . The vacuum created by the lack of oxygen anchors the cup to the skin and pulls it upward on the inside of the glass as the air inside the jar cools. Drawing up the skin may open up the skin’s pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of Qi and blood, this balances and realigns the flow of qi, and breaks up obstructions, so that toxins can be released and the meridians, veins, arteries and the natural flow of the Cou Li (interstitial spaces) can be restored.
Like acupuncture, cupping follows the lines of the meridians and is often used to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and congestion; as well as gastrointestinal disorders; and certain types of pain, musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis, depression, detoxification and reduce swelling. It is often administered to athletes to enhance athletic performance and recovery. It has been used to extract toxic substances, such as, venom or poison, from a snake or bug bite.
“You see only with your eyes, so you are easy to fool.”
