Vacuum Cupping

Suction cups placed at various points on the body create a vacuum that draws toxins to the surface of the skin. This stimulates the person’s protective energy and enhances their immune system. It is used to treat colds and problems in the internal organs. It is also used to treat muscle spasm, joint pain, frozen shoulder, chronic fatigue syndrome, poor circulation, back pain and sciatic pain.

The technique known as Cupping, Fire Cupping, or Body Vacuuming, was an ancient Chinese healing practice. The ancient way was to create a vacuum in a cup made of horn, bamboo, glass, or metal, by burning a combustible (like moxa, or alcohol) inside it, then quickly applying the cup to the skin, allowing the force of the vacuum to draw up the underlying tissue. When that is done, the body surface extends into the cup, and there is usually a reddening of the area under pressure. Sometimes massage oils or aromatherapy essences were also used. Applied to significant acupuncture points, cupping was respected as a way to stimulate the flow of Chi, similarly to massage, and acupressure.