What is Cupping?

Cupping (拔罐) originated in China and is also used widely across Europe.  Glass cups are applied to parts of the body (most commonly the back or over a joint) and are retained there by means of suction.  Suction is created by quickly placing a lighted taper in and out of the glass cup to remove the oxygen, the cup is then immediately applied to the skin which creates a vacuum causing the cup to stay in position.

Rather like Gua Sha, Cupping stimulates blood circulation and helps to clear metabolic waste in tissues and muscles.  Cups can either be placed on the skin and left in place (stationary cupping), or applied onto lightly oiled skin and then moved over an area (moving cupping); it is a painless therapy.

Cupping can benefit many conditions including:

• joint problems or injuries (e.g. swollen, painful or stiff)
• back pain, ache or sprain
  
• prevention and treatment of acute illness such as colds, flu, hayfever and bronchitis
  
• poor circulation of blood and/or lymph
  
• muscle and tendon stiffness, tenderness and/or tension
• digestive problems
• cellulite