 
Cupping Therapy
In Cupping Therapy, a cotton ball is soaked in alcohol
and lit on fire, the fire is placed inside the glass
cups and removed, and the cup is placed quickly on
the skin. The fire acts to remove the air from inside
the cup, causing suction: the cup sticks to the skin,
and pulls a little on the skin. This suction acts to
draw out what is called stagnant, or stuck, energy
from inside the body and bring it to the surface where
it can be released. It is used in areas such as the
back, shoulders, and forearms when the muscles are
very tight or there is aching pain. Patients find that
it relaxes those areas. Cupping often leaves a circular
bruise-like mark where the cup was. Depending on the
person, these marks can last from a few days to a couple
weeks.
Cupping Massage is an exciting modern adaptation to
the ancient art of cupping. Instead of stationary cupping,
the glass cups are moved along the muscles and meridians
of the body. A Chinese herbal ointment is first applied
to the skin to permit easier movement of the cups.
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