Cupping
Cited by Hippocrates in his art of healing, used by the Chinese, Indians, Native Americans, in the Fertile Crescent (Hijama) or in the Maghreb, cupping has, for centuries, treated many illnesses, before the arrival of antibiotics. Overmedication and the effects of resistance quickly brought them back into favor and esteem. The use of cupping is thousands of years old and widespread on all continents.
Cupping therapy was also widespread in Europe among the Celts. Collective memory hasn't forgotten the grandmother's remedies, using glass suction cups. Today, we use plastic models, particularly for practical reasons. The principle remains the same, as do the beneficial effects!
Act on the movement of Qi and Blood
The use of cupping is part of the daily routine of the traditional acupuncturist to address circulatory, respiratory, allergic and visceral problems.
This ancient medical procedure, common to all traditions, has a dramatic effect on the movement of Qi and Blood. During application, within a few seconds, skin congestion can occur, characterized by suction of the skin inside the cup.
For most patients, the areas of the body treated with cupping feel pleasantly warm and supple.
Mechanics of suction cups
The therapist mechanically creates a partial vacuum using the heat of a flame (glass suction cup) or by pumping air (plastic suction cup). The quality of the treatment is not based on the choice of suction technique. It is the pressure difference that is then exerted that becomes the vector for the movement of liquids, from high pressure to low pressure.
Expel pathogenic energies
The aim is to expel pathogenic energies (affected by Heat, Cold, Humidity or Wind) which have settled in the meridians and which hinder the free circulation of blood and energy, which causes pain; to restore energy circulation in the meridians; to release muscular tension.
The suction creates a “liberating” call for blood: the skin gradually takes on a purplish color.
The application generally lasts from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the age of the blockage, the intensity of the symptoms, the age and the patient's feelings. The patient feels no pain, only a sensation of pulling and heating of the skin.
The suction cups are then applied to acupuncture points that correspond to the organs to be treated. They can also be moved, such as rubbed on areas located along the energy meridians.
Therapeutic indications for cupping
Among the preferred fields of action of natural medicine by cupping, we will cite some non-exhaustive first-line therapeutic indications:
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Rheumatology : osteoarthritis, lower back pain; back pain; neck pain; cervico-brachial neuralgia; epicondylitis; sciatica; cramps, after-effects of sprains, tendonitis, etc.
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Pulmonology : bronchitis; mucus suppression; asthmatic disease and ENT conditions
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Sports trauma : sprain; strain; tendon pathology.
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Dermatology : eczema; psoriasis; acne.
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Gynecology : dysmenorrhea; menopause.
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Digestion : constipation, recurring migraines
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Psyche : in certain forms of depression; headaches.
Cupping is also very effective in promoting a strengthening of immunity in the neurovegetative paravertebral chains.