What is cupping?
What is cupping?
Cupping is a traditional form of energetic and body work where a vacuum seal is used to lift the tissues up and away from the body. Fire cupping uses glass cups and a vacuum is created from a flame being placed inside the cup.
TCM Theory behind cupping therapy
There is a saying in Chinese medicine, tong zhi bu tong bu tong zhi tong which translates to “if there is free flow, there is no pain; if there is pain, there is no free flow”
Cupping is primarily used to promote the flow of Qi and Blood in the meridians, thus acting on this principle and making it especially effective in pain management.
Cupping is also used to activate and release the outer energetic layers of the body. Wei Qi is the body’s outmost energetic layer and our primary defense against external pathogens. The Cou Li is the second most outer layer of the body - the “interstice” between the skin and muscles. It is thought in TCM that pathogens tend to get trapped here once they pass our outer Wei Qi.
Thus cupping is useful for expelling newly settling illness or bringing out lingering pathogens.
What is it used for?
Cupping is a great modality that can be used in many situations
stagnation in the muscles and meridians causing pain
warming the channels and promoting the smooth flow of Qi
kicking out lingering or newly settling illness
Who can get cupping?
Most people can receive cupping therapy. As opposed to other TCM therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine, cupping is seen as a slightly more aggressive approach, and may not be suitable for all people, especially
People who bruise or bleed easily or are on blood thinners
Those with loose or thin skin
Patients who are exhausted or feeling weak
*Pregnant patients - there are some areas we avoid cupping during pregnancy such as the low back and abdomen to avoid causing contractions
What should I do after cupping?
Because cupping is a more hands on therapy aimed at moving stagnation, it is normal to feel a little sore and tired afterwards until the body regulates again. It is recommended that after cupping you take it easy and avoid overexerting yourself. Drinking plenty of water to help with lymph flow and keeping muscles hydrated is important after cupping.
Because cupping energetically affect the outermost layers of the body which we consider essential for protection from external pathogens, it is an important consideration afterwards to protect that area for a bit and avoid exposure to extremes or the elements: avoid hot tubs, saunas, drafts, and exposure to cold or wind the day of or after receiving cupping.
Cupping is an effective therapy in promoting Qi and Blood flow, moving stagnation in the body, and benefitting the immune system. I offer cupping as a standalone therapy as well as in addition to my acupuncture sessions in my extended patient visits.
