Studies show that this ancient treatment, using cupping glass, can significantly relieve pain and even cure the condition. Cupping glass is a process in which cups of glass are placed across the patient’s body, directly over acupuncture points. The cups create a suction pressure that sucks the skin and muscle tissue into the cup. The therapist can control the pressure and therefore this treatment is usually painless and can even be pleasant.
Cupping Glass Treatment
Cupping glass treatment is a well-known ancient method in Chinese medicine that can help and solve many physical and emotional problems. The cups are used to treat a variety of conditions such as localized pain, a cold, inflammation, difficulty in breathing and more. In the Western World, this treatment is mainly used for a weak immune system but the Chinese use it to treat a wide range of complaints.
What exactly is a cupping glass treatment?
Cupping glasses can be made of different materials including glass, wood, plastic or rubber with glass being the more familiar material. This process works on a simple principle of creating a vacuum by heating the cup and placing it on any area of the patient’s skin that is being treated. This suction of the skin and deeper areas, eg. muscle, releases the flow of the Ch’i – the life and blood energy.
The preparation needed for the treatment of cupping glass
Before the treatment begins, the therapist prepares the area that needs to be treated by massaging the area with oil. The massage movements and the oil causes the skin pores to open in order to improve the efficacy of the treatment. The massage in itself also improves the flow of Ch’i.
The process of cupping glass treatment
The cups are attached to the body by a vacuum effect. In the traditional method, which many therapists continue to follow today, the vacuum is created by heating the cups with fire for a few seconds. Many people are afraid of burns but there is no need to worry. The heat is created only inside the cup and not on its edges and therefore does not heat the surrounding skin. Another way to create a vacuum, especially when treating children, is through the use of a pump. During treatment, the therapist attaches the cup to various areas, which according to his diagnosis encourage better blood and energy flow.
The intensity of the vacuum is determined according to the patient’s sensitivity and need. The patient feels the suction but it does not cause pain. There are various techniques to perform the treatment. One of them is to keep the cups stationary for about fifteen minutes on a certain area and another, is moving the cup along the meridian (the channel where the Ch’i energy flows).
Which problems are cupping glass treatment recommended for?
Cupping glass treatment is helpful for a wide range of problems, especially those caused blockages in the body, which reduces flow of Ch’i in the various meridians.
Cold accumulation in the body: Cold that is trapped and accumulates in the body can be expressed amongst other things through tight muscles.
Flu, colds: Cupping glass is very helpful for a weak immune system that predisposes you to infections such as the flu and recurring colds.
Pain: the treatment helps to relieve pain caused by aching muscles, tendons or ligaments, especially in the shoulders back or neck.
Respiratory Difficulty: by treating the lumbar and the upper-middle dorsal region, this can help to relieve breathing difficulties and asthma.
Dysmenorrhea: Cupping glass treatment alleviates premenstrual syndrome or menstrual pain. The treatment helps to relieve the pain by accelerating blood flow and energy.
Does cupping glass treatment have any side effects?
Cupping Glasses treatment draws the blood vessels outwards towards the skin. This causes very small blood vessels to burst and as a result bruising appears. This is a familiar and unavoidable phenomenon indicating that the therapist has performed his work. The bruises pass within a few days. Other than this, there are no side effects or discomfort as a result of the treatment. On the contrary – the treatment is quick and effective. It relieves the pain and releases the muscles.
Conclusion
Cupping Glass is a well-known ancient method of Chinese Medicine. Heating the cup creates a suction effect which helps to relieve the pain of tight muscles. The treatment requires a great deal of skill, knowledge and experience from the therapist, so it is important to choose your therapist carefully. Our clinic has extensive experience in this treatment as well as in many other Chinese and complementary treatment methods.