This particular form of acupuncture has a long and storied history, with Han Chinese doctors credited with its invention. However, there were also variations of this practice employed in ancient Egypt and Greece. ‘Hijama’, the Arabic term for wet cupping, is even said to have been extolled by the Islamic prophet Muhammad—high praise indeed!
The main forms of cupping are dry cupping, wet cupping, and fire cupping. All three methods rely on the cups being placed on the body securely so as to generate suction.
In dry cupping, the cups are placed on the skin, normally in soft tissue areas so that a good seal can be made with the cup. It can then be heated to create the low air pressure required.
Marks on the skin are normal after all of these treatments; they resemble circular bruises, but depending on the treatment, the marks can be bruises or can be caused by rupturing of the capillaries just beneath the skin.
Practitioners in China believe that cupping gets the blood and qi (气) flowing in order to promote natural healing of the body. Through this process of mobilizing stagnant blood and lymph, cupping can help with colds and respiratory problems.
Additionally, it is said that this procedure can also assist with muscle pains and swelling.
Does it Really Work?
There has been considerable research into the efficacy of cupping, with many scientists stating that it does not provide the kind of relief that proponents of the treatment suggest. That said, the only way to truly get the answer here is to get out there and try it out! Despite looking like you’ve slept on oversized blocks of Legos, you may find yourself rounding off your day with a therapeutic experience.