Cupping

                                                           Cupping
Cupping is a technique used in tradition Chinese medicine(TCM) for certain health health conditions. It is believed to influence the flow of energh(Qi) and blood in the body.
Cupping is used when the qi is blocked at certain points, or when qi needs to be drawn to the surface of the body from deep within. For instance, cupping is used to treat lung infection and common colds, because it is believed that the suction desperse external pathogenic factors(including invasion of wind, damp, and cold) and energizes the qi that has become blocked and stagnated in the lungs.
Today, cupping is mainly recommended for the treatment of pain, gastro-intestinal disorders,lung diseases, and dysmenorrhea, though it can be used for other disorders as well.
Cupping therapies often follow the point selection pattern that is used for standard acupuncture therapy. Generally, the cup is left in place for about 15 minutes.
Traditional cupping, with use of heated cups, was the method used to obtain suction. There are bamboo cups, glass cups and plastic cups. The areas of the body that are fleshy are preferred sites for cupping. Contraindication for cupping include: areas of skin that are inflamed, cases of high fever, convulsions or cramping, or easy bleeding,or the abdominal area or lower back during pregnancy.
Cupping causes blood to be drawn to the furface of the skin, which can cause red marks and bruising which can disappear by thmselves after several days.