Cupping therapy is the method of using glass or plastic cups to create localized pressure by a vacuum. The Chinese have been doing this since ancient times by using heat inside glass or bamboo cups. Nowadays, cupping sets use suction to create the vacuum. The vacuum inside the cups causes the blood to form in the area and help the healing in that area.

Ancient Chinese medicine believes that the body contains “Meridians”. These meridians are pathways in the body which the energy of life called Qi (”chi”) flows through. It flows through every body part, tissue, and organ. Cupping therapy is mainly performed on one’s back because there are five meridians located on your back. When these meridians are opened, the internal energy is able to flow through the whole body.

Benefits:

• Alleviates upper and lower back pain.

• Helps with insomnia

• Moves phlegm in the Lungs

• Release of toxins in your body.

The suction from the cups can penetrate deep into your tissues causing the tissues to release harmful toxins. It triggers the lymphatic system, clears the blood vessels, and stretches and activates the skin.

For extremely blocked energy, one can also practice a modern day bloodletting. A practitioner uses sterile lancets and quickly pricks the skin, followed immediately with cupping. In this way blood can release and move tough blockages in the area and added bonus is no bruising.