Cupping
Cupping is applicable to many health concerns and is
very successful for
detoxification, back problems, and sciatica pain. A
successful no-needle modality and solution, the history
of cupping goes back to ancient times. Throughout history
cups have evolved from bamboo and animal
horns to containers made from horn, bamboo, porcelain,
brass and glass.
Cupping is a simple and effective therapeutic technique
which can be used alone or in combination with acupuncture
to enhance treatment. The method of cupping has been
used in different times in most parts of the world.
The function of cupping is to warm, move Qi and move
energy in the meridians. The method utilizes a cup as
the instrument. When the cup is inverted on the skins
surface, the skin will be drawn up by suction forming
a firm grip around the rim of the cup. This method moves
stagnation, relieving the inflammation around the area
of pain.
The cupping method promotes free flow of Qi and blood
in the meridians, diminishing swelling and pain.
Indications for cupping include the following:
Headache and dizziness
Cough and asthma
Pain in the tendons and bones
Epigastric pain, indigestion, diarrhea
Acute sprains
Pain in the lower back, shoulder, and leg
Common cold
Menstruation pain
Various cupping methods are utilized by the acupuncture
physician. The treatment varies with one to a dozen
cups in one session. A Sliding Cup method lightly massages
the back moving one cup along the back to move stagnation.
The Multiple Cupping method places multiple cups along
muscle groups. The Retention Cupping method applies
cups and leaves them in place to treat a variety of
organ systems along the side of the spine. The Flash
Cupping method applies cups and takes them off repeatedly
and rapidly. This method is used for specific deficient
conditions.
The cups are removed within fifteen minutes by releasing
the vacuum around the rim of the cup. Areas on the skin
may show red or purple discoloration indicating that
the internal stagnation has effectively been drawn to
the surface. The patient should be assured that the
correct therapeutic effect has been achieved and that
the bruises will disappear within a few days or up to
a week.
|
