Cupping (or cupping ) is an ancient therapeutic practice of traditional Chinese medicine .

The purpose of this practice is to alter the energy flows of the body and to restore physical balance. The therapeutic action is carried out by stimulating the blood and lymphatic circulation in the area of ​​intervention. At the base of this technique there is also the induction to the circulation of energy. 

Cupping: creating the vacuum

The cupping technique has as its foundation the creation of a vacuum inside a small container, a cup , which is made to adhere to the patient’s body at specific points . To obtain the air vacuum, and therefore the adhesion to the patient’s skin, a lit match is introduced inside the cup . This burns the oxygen, producing a vacuum. The match is blown out with a quick and expert movement and the cup is applied. 

Another method used is to insert a cotton swab dipped in alcohol into the cup (inside which a coin is usually inserted ) which is turned on and left to go out quickly. Recently, a commercially available mechanical suction technique is used , which avoids burns and stress to the patient caused by the application of high heat sources on the epidermis. In ancient times, hollow horns were used instead of cups. Today, the materials from which the cups are made are glass or Bakelite. There are also some plastic or even bamboo cups.

Methods of intervention of cupping

The vacuum effect produced makes the cup adhere perpendicularly to the skin. The latter must be well shaved. The cups are left on the body for a period of time ranging from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the treatment. The frequency of the sessions can vary from daily to weekly. For those wishing to practice a cupping session, there are some contraindications and limitations. This therapy is not recommended for people who are too thin and have loose skin. Since we intervene on the skin, it must not cause recent trauma or wounds and must not be subject to various types of pathologies. Cupping is also forbidden for asthenic people or people with very pronounced bony protrusions. 

There are two techniques of application and intervention of the cups, depending on the therapeutic purposes. The first, the most used one, keeps the cups fixed on specific points. The second slides the cups applied in a cranio-claudal direction along the epidermis previously with sesame , coconut or olive oil ). The latter modality of intervention is used for mood disorders, anxiety and insomnia. 

Cupping is indicated for the treatment of various painful, gastro-intestinal syndromes, lung diseases, cough, asthma , and also for depressive and anxiety syndromes. For each type of disease, cupping works on specific areas of the body. Respiratory diseases affect the upper back region. Diseases of the digestive system such as gastritis and diarrhea can be traced back to the meridian dorsal region, as well as to the periumbilical abdominal region. For painful syndromes such as headaches , migraines and low back pain , applications are carried out on the parietal and occipital region and on the lower back and lumbar region. 

Cupping can also treat gynecological disorders such as infertility and irregular menstruation , leucorrhea and uterine cramps. Recently it is also used to combat cellulite , stretch marks and obesity problems.