Cupping Therapy

What is Cupping Therapy? An ancient Chinese method that creates local congestion, ancient versions of cupping therapy included the use of cups made of bamboo, glass, metal or wood.

Cupping therapy began with burning one of the following in the cup: alcohol, alcohol-soaked cotton wool, herbs, paper or a taper. Either prior to, or after the burning had been completed, cupping therapy practitioners applied the cup reverse-side down to smooth body surfaces where the cup is left in place from five to ten minutes. Different forms of cupping therapies included: fire cupping, acupuncture cupping method, air pumping cupping method and water cupping method.However, in more recent times, cupping therapy is done by specialized cups that provide substantial vacuum. By applying the vacuumous cups to different parts of the body for a small amount of time, the cup demonstrates a penetrating effect that may cause:

• tissues to release toxins,
• may activate the lymphatic system,
• may clear colon blockages,
• may help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries,
• may activate the skin, clear stretch marks
• and may even improve varicose veins.

In general, cupping therapy opens the "meridians" or "energy channels" of the body and allows energy to flow freely. Newer cupping therapy cups that are best for the therapy are called Mengshi Cups, or vacuum cups. These cups do not require any type of firing or use of a vacuum pump.To learn more about cupping therapy, or if you are interested in locating an Oriental Medicine practitioner who uses cupping therapy, feel free to visit our Holistic Junction practitioners directories today.Cupping Therapy © 2004 - All Rights Reserved by C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot in conjunction with HolisticJunction.com

C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot is the Public Relations' Director & Writer for:Holistic Junction -- Your source of information for Holistic Practitioners; Acupuncture Schools, Chiropractic Schools, Massage Therapy Schools, and Reflexology Schools.