Cupping - A Chinese Medicine Therapy

Most Americans have heard of acupuncture and acupressure but may be unfamiliar with the Chinese medicine therapy called, "cupping". Cupping is a Chinese technique used to heal the body with cups placed on the body part in need of healing. The cup is first heated from within with fire that creates a vacuum. The vacuum suction pulls at the skin and the theory is that the affliction is "pulled out" including any toxins that were in the body.

Bodily pain can be relieved when blood congestion is overcome. Pain and swelling can also be relieved using cupping. Cupping is said to be able to improve circulation and to "open up" the lungs and to draw toxins out of them. This will help the individual to breath easier. The Chinese people believe that the art of cupping draws out cold, wind, and dampness.

There are many illnesses that the Chinese people use cupping for including asthma, bronchitis, edema, dull aches and pains, arthritis, abdominal pain, swellings, stomach ailments, indigestion, headache, coughs that are due to excessive mucus, menstrual cramping, and various swellings. Cupping can be an effective treatment for those suffering from breathing ailments, or who are suffering from pain, congestion or swelling caused by toxins.

Cupping is also useful for when movement is limited or painful, the person suffers from bronchitis or edema and also when it is suspected that the individual is suffering from congestion involving blood, energy or mucus. Cupping is especially helpful for when the pain involves large muscle groups.


The cups are turned over after heating and placed over acupuncture points or over the affected body part. The heat from the cups can reduce swelling and is said to warm the qi of the person being cupped. The cups are left on for anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the ailment and the age of the patient.

Cupping does cause bruising of the skin where the cups were placed due to the suction. Individuals usually notice an immediate improvement in their symptoms following the cupping therapy. Cupping can be regulated depending on the age of the individual being cupped.

The fire-heated cups are not the only form of cupping used by Chinese medicine; vacuum-pump cupping devices are also used instead of the fire.

Cupping should never be done over the abdomen or lower back of women who are pregnant, or on individuals with allergic skin conditions or ulcerated sores. Cupping should also not be done on an individual with a high fever, who is suffering convulsions or having cramps. Areas of the body that are very hairy or very angular are not good places for cupping.

Chinese practitioners suggest using cupping along with acupuncture and herbal therapy.

Cupping is no different than other medical therapies when it comes to choosing a practitioner. Make sure to investigate to see that they are qualified and recommended by those who have used them.

The cups can be made of glass or bamboo. The practitioner may also use electrostimulation, laser beams, ultrasound waves or another heat source to the acupuncture points near the affected body part. Practitioners in China have also used synthetic needles, injections of water or steroids into the acupuncture points as well as the use of sonar rays.