Chinese Cupping Therapy
Chinese cupping creates local suction on the skin to mobilize Qi and Blood, disperse stagnation, eliminate Cold-Dampness and relieve musculoskeletal pain.
Presentation
Cupping therapy (拔罐, bá guàn) is an ancestral practice of traditional Chinese medicine documented since the Wǔshí'èr Bìngfāng (Prescriptions for 52 Diseases, ~168 BCE). Cups create a partial vacuum on the skin surface, drawing up subcutaneous tissue and creating controlled local congestion. This technique mobilizes Qi and Blood circulation, releases fascial adhesions, detoxifies tissues and stimulates the local immune system.
Cupping gained worldwide visibility during the 2016 Rio Olympics when circular marks were observed on swimmer Michael Phelps' shoulders.
Core Principles
- Qi and Blood mobilization: mechanical suction creates local blood influx, unblocking Qi and Blood stagnation.
- Cold-Dampness expulsion: cups 'pull' external pathogenic factors out of superficial body layers.
- Diagnostic reading: mark colors indicate imbalance nature: dark purple = old Blood stagnation; bright red = heat; pale = Qi/Blood deficiency.
- Fascial action: traction releases adherent fascia and improves tissue gliding.
Main Indications
- Muscular and joint pain: low back pain, neck pain, muscle tension
- Common cold, cough, bronchitis (cupping on back)
- Bi syndrome (Wind-Cold-Damp rheumatism)
- Sports recovery and contractures
- Digestive disorders: bloating, abdominal pain
- Dysmenorrhea
- Certain dermatological conditions
Session Overview
Dry cupping: flame briefly introduced into glass cup, applied to skin. Retention: 5–15 minutes. Flash cupping: cup placed and immediately removed repeatedly. Sliding cupping: oiled skin, cup moved along meridians. Wet cupping: after suction, micro-incisions and second cup to extract blood drops.
Contraindications
- Damaged, burned, ulcerated or active eczema/psoriasis skin
- Varicose veins, phlebitis, venous thrombosis
- Malignant skin tumors
- Protruding bony areas
- Pregnancy: abdominal and lumbar region
- Coagulation disorders (especially wet cupping)
- High fever
- Children under 4
Medical Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment prescription. If in doubt, always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional. The techniques described do not replace conventional medical treatment.