Blood Cupping has been used for thousands of years. Although it is often associated with traditional Chinese Medicine, the entire world once knew this of therapy and used it. The Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese used Cupping therapy. The oldest recorded medical textbook, Ebers Papyrus, written in approximately 1550 BCE in Egypt, mentions Cupping (Curtis, 2005). In the UK, the practice of Cupping therapy also dates back a long time, as it was mentioned in one of the leading medical journals called ‘The Lancet’, founded in 1823. The word Lancet refers to the surgical instrument that can scrape the skin to perform blood cupping. Blood Cupping is the most frequently used, oldest and often the most effective method.
A surgical instrument is used to scrape/pierce the skin and a cup is applied to collect blood. The air inside the cup is removed in some way, to form a vacuum. The vacuum has the effect of drawing out the blood and collecting it in the cup. Over the centuries, the method of forming the vacuum has varied greatly. As have the materials used for the cup.
Cupping also acts as a form of massage that provides relaxation. The energy and blood flow created due to cupping is a good form of relaxation.
Congestion (the buildup of fluid or phlegm in your lungs) caused by a cold, bronchitis, or even asthma can be treated with cupping. The suction from cups breaks up and expels congestion. It brings oxygen rich blood and lymph toward your lungs and your other respiratory muscles. Cups are usually placed on your back, but may be placed on your chest as well. Your therapist may leave the cups in place, or may gently glide them in an upward motion to facilitate the movement of the lymph fluid.
Strategically using cupping can increase the blood flow to specific areas that need healing. The increased blood and energy flow will lead to faster healing.
The suction from the cups increases circulation to the area where the cups are placed. The additional blood flow to that area can help relieve muscle tension and promote cell repair. Increasing circulation with cupping also helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Yes, you do have organs that remove toxins from your blood. But the modern lifestyle overloads your body with toxins. Cupping gives your body a boost in releasing those toxins. Focused blood flow helps your body by flushing built-up toxins through the lymphatic system. (Your lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating your body’s toxins and waste.)
When your therapist glides the cups across your skin, your parasympathetic nervous system engages. This promotes deep relaxation to move through your entire body. (Your parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for slowing your heart rate, assisting in digestion, and increasing intestinal and gland activity.)