Cupping, with fire, or without

I often use Cupping therapy in clinic for muscle tension and pain, but also for coughs and cold and ‘flu. Although it is extremely popular in China, it is a folk remedy used widely throughout the world, including Africa, Europe and Asia.

With Fire Cupping, a flame is placed into the glass cup to extinguish the oxygen and the cup is then very quickly placed upon the skin. The Japanese and Koreans have modernised this practise, by adding a valve to the top of the Cups. A tool is then used to suck the oxygen out of the cups, whilst on the skin. This is my preferred mode, because I can adjust the level of suction for both comfort and optimised therapeutic benefit.

The vacuum created inside the cups, draws the circulation through the muscles and stretches the fascia (connective tissue covering of muscles) below the cup. Occasionally, there will be red or purple marking, called ‘Sha’ that appears during cupping and can last up to 6 days. I don’t think it’s necessary to cause lots of marking for the cupping to have a therapeutic effect. The muscles under the cupped area are usually softer immediately after the treatment.

I will often apply a herbal massage oil before I begin the treatment, and then slide the cup up and down the areas of tension, before applying Acupuncture needles or Moxa. Cupping is almost always included in my Japanese Acupuncture Treatments or treatment of muscle tension.