Cupping at a glance

Discussion Bullet Points (scroll down for illustratiions)

• History at a glance
• What does Cupping Do?
• Types of Cupping Methods we commonly use
• How long is a Cupping session?
• What to Expect after a Cupping Session?
• Why choose Qigong Cupping?
• Cupping for General Wellness and Prevention  
• Are there any contraindications regarding cupping?

History at a Glance

Cupping Therapy over the last few years has been gaining popularity here in the West with its exposure during the Olympics by many swimmers. 

Yet the truth is, Cupping therapy goes back thousands of years. You'll find cupping being used in China, the Middle East (Jewish and Muslim tradition) and in the African Continent by many tribes (illustration 1 below).

About its use in the West, we can look at the Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine in London where surgeons were referred to as "cuppers" and highly respected and sought for their trade.  We can find information on Samuel Bayfield in 1823, Surgeon Charles Kennedy in 1826, and in 1832, Surgeon James Davis Lane Esq. 

During that era in London, Cupping was indeed used in Western Hospitals.

In China, it goes back to the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.) and is used today as an important therapy modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  Cupping today has been established as an official therapy practice in Chinese hospitals.

Over the centuries, cupping has evolved to the degree that it plays a major part in TCM healing practices and is used in conjunction with other TCM modalities to enhance the effectiveness of some treatments. 

What Does Cupping Do?

When a cup is applied to the skin, its creates a suction surrounding the area of its application and begins a movement between the layers of skin as far down as the muscles. This action removes toxins from the muscles/skin tissue along with stagnant blood within the area. (illustration 2)

This is why some have suggested that 5 minutes of cupping is equivalent to 30 minutes of Deep Tissue Massage.

Types of Cupping Methods we Commonly Use

These are the cupping methods we use:  Stationary Cupping, Flash Cupping and  Dynamic Cupping.

• Stationary cupping is when a cup is placed directly on the skin and works a specific area.  this could be a single cup or multiple cups.
• Flash Cupping is when you apply a cup and immediately remove it. Used commonly for treating the Sciatic nerve.
• Dynamic Cupping means that the cup is moving along a designated path. Most commonly used for working the Lymphatic System, activating the dermatomes (area of the skin with sensory fibers from a single spinal nerve) and leading the Qi away from areas where it was stagnant.

How Long is a Cupping Session? 

A cupping session usually last about 45 to 1 hour. This includes pre and post-treatment discussions. The actual cupping is around 12-20 mins or less depending on the individual.

What to Expect after a Cupping Session

Depending on your existing health condition, the vast majority of our clients feel relaxed, more mobile, happy and ready for a good night's sleep.

Even to those with major health concerns, our experience has been that they experience pain relief, physical relaxation.

Regarding the round marks left by the cups, these are merely indications of the extent of the blood stagnation and the removal of pathogenic factors through the skin's open pores. Depending on the treatment results, the most intense marks will fade away in around 5-7 days or less. The light marks, will normally go away beginning the following day or in a day or two. 

Preventive cupping treatments where no muscle injuries are present, usually go away over night and no later than 2-3 days.  Every case is unique nevertheless. Preventive cupping, is used for the treatment of the corresponding meridians and the health of our 12 major organs. Additional benefits include stress relief and an overall feeling of well being.  

Why choose Qigong Cupping? 

Our cupping application is designed to address the flow (or lack of) of blood and bioelectricity (Qi) to and through the muscle/s. 

What makes a muscle move is the amount of voltage it receives from the brain, through the spine and finally at the muscle. What causes a muscle to tighten is the lack of blood flow and bioelectricity (Qi) flow. 

Moving and/or stretching an injured muscle or muscle group before addressing the flow of blood and Qi, only irritates the muscles and may cause further injury or further delay the healing time. 

When a muscle or muscle group tightens up, it chokes/blocks the flow of Qi through the nearest meridian. The meridian/s affected will, as a result, not allow the free flow of bioelectricity, resulting in damage to the Organ connected to the affected meridian.  (iIlustration 3).

This is what differentiates Qigong Cupping from other types of cupping.

Understanding the flow of Qi is of the utmost importance if you want to get to the root of the problem.  

Take for instance the issues that come about when we have surgery to remove the Gall Bladder. When we look at the corresponding meridian (illustration 4) you will notice that the meridian runs along the outside of the legs, up the torso and to the head. Do people that have had their Gall Bladder removed get headaches and/or have pain in their legs? Yes! 

That's because anything attached to the Gall Bladder is still there and trying to keep working. See illustration 5 for Gall Bladder cupping. THis is a common occurrence as related to all meridians. 

Cupping for General Wellness and Prevention

After reading the section above, you might be wondering if our methods only apply to those with some kind of illness. The answer is a resounding No!

Cupping as we practice it, serves as a very important PREVENTION tool as well. See illustration 6

Regular cupping sessions can play a big part when it comes to your general health.

These sessions will relax you, help remove the stress you encounter in your daily life all the while, working to keep you physically healthy. If you work in a stressful  environment, we can't recommend Preventive Cupping enough. 

From weekly sessions to once a month sessions, it's up to you!

Are there any contraindications regarding cupping?

Generally speaking, No. 

Nevertheless, a competent practitioner, will asses each individual's health status before giving a treatment.  

It is however, not recommended to cup the abdominal area during pregnancy and after giving birth. 

Consult your practitioner.