If you see someone with red or purple circular marks on their
neck, it would be easy to assume they are smokers on the patch
trying to wean themselves off nicotine. A safer bet is that they
have experienced cupping, an ancient Chinese therapy said to
provide immediate pain relief.
As a therapy with a history of several thousand years, cupping is
now recommended for the treatment of minor pain, gastrointestinal
disorders, lung diseases (especially chronic coughing and asthma)
and paralysis.
Peng Zhiwei, a traditional Chinese masseur at Inlong International
Spa, said the treatment has some relation to massage techniques but
it is mainly about drawing blood to specific places to improve
circulation.
Peng, who has been a masseur since 1981, demonstrated the cupping
therapy on the back of one of his patients, Lin Zhuoqi, who was
suffering from a frozen shoulder.
"Cupping is usually applied to acupuncture points and regions of
the body that are affected by pain," said the Hunan native.
"Traditional cupping methods use fire to create suction in a cup.
The cup is then applied to specific points on the body."
After soaking a cotton ball with alcohol, Peng then ignited the
swab and placed it in the small cup. Very quickly, he then applied
the cup to Lin's body, an action that sucked up the skin.
"Cupping brings fresh blood to an area and improves circulation. It
also helps open up the chest and benefits the lungs. It can even
benefit menstrual and digestive problems. Most commonly, it is used
for aches and pains of various types, as well as respiratory
problems, coughs and wheezing."
Generally, a cup is left in a place for about three to five
minutes. The skin becomes red due to the congestion of blood flow.
The practice is then repeated in the same place for another two to
four times. The therapy lasts for 45 minutes and costs 68 yuan
(US$8.50).
"In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of the skin
is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle. This
technique is called gliding cupping," Peng said.
"An application of medicated massage oils will also help the
movement of the cups on the body and do more good for the blood
circulation."
When there is a toxic heat syndrome, a pricking practice can be
done to draw three to four drops of blood. Peng said this removes
stasis and alleviates swelling and pain.
The cup is removed by pressing the skin gradually along the cup's
edge to allow some outside air to leak in, thus equalizing the
pressure and releasing it.
Lying on a treatment table, Lin said he enjoyed the simple
procedure very much. "I had a slight feeling of swelling at first.
After finishing the course of treatment, I had an immediate relief
of pains and a feeling of refreshment."
Peng said there were a few conditions in which cupping should not
be used. These include those with high fever, skin diseases and a
tendency to bleed easily. It should also not be undertaken after
drinking, eating or doing sport.
(Shanghai Daily December 12, 2006)