Cupping: What Is It? 

Cupping is a used in Chinese Medicine as a part of an acupuncture treatment. Although cupping did originate in China, it is also used within the traditional medicines of many other countries. It is used in Eastern Europe, some of the Mediterranean countries and in the Middle East. Interestingly, there are references to cupping in the Koran. It is said that Mohammad received treatment using cupping.

What is it?
Cupping involves the placement of class cups onto the surface of the skin. The cups adhere to the body using suction. The suction is created by placing a naked flame inside each cup. The flame burns the oxygen within the cup and this causes a vacuum from external oxygen being drawn into the cup. The flame is quickly removed from the cup, and the cup is placed on the patient before the external oxygen is able to entre the cup. This can allow the cup to have a surprisingly firm grip on the skin. After receiving cupping, dark purplish marks remain on the skin. These can take about 4-5 days before they fade. Despite the appearance cupping is mostly painless (unless it is applied in an extremely firm manner).

Next week I will cover what conditions can be treated using cupping. If you have any further questions, please contact Dr Kirk Wilson (PhD) on 9231 3377.