TCM Cupping
What is Cupping?
Cupping, also known as Ba Guan, is the method of applying pressure on an acupoint by creating a vacuum on the surface of the patient’s skin, either by heating or suction using a glass or bamboo pot, to generate stimulation. The vacuum created anchors the cup to the skin and pulls it upward. This process opens up the skin’s pores, which breaks up obstruction and helps to stimulate blood circulation, balances and realigns the flow of qi. It draws out toxins in the body. This therapy is often used to relieve neck, shoulder tightness and backaches.
***For patients with heart conditions, bleeding disorders, severe edema, skin problems, diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, pregnant or those with very weak constitutions, please consult your physicians before seeking this type of treatment.
Common cupping methods:
- Stationary cupping
- Gliding cupping
The cups are moved along meridians of the body for about 5-10 minutes. This technique can cover a larger area more quickly than stationary cupping. However, it is more painful. - Fire cupping
This technique involves creating a suction effect. - Cupping combined with acupuncture
TCM At Home provides TCM services at your convenience, whether at your home, your office, or any other places where you prefer to receive your TCM treatment. Alternatively, our physician’s also provide TCM treatments at their home. Make an appointment with our TCM physicians today.
Benefits of cupping:
There are 2 main benefits of cupping: it helps to clear the body’s meridians. It gets rid of blockages that obstruct the Qi flow, thus helping to stimulate the Qi flow in our body and provide a smooth flow of our organs. Secondly, cupping helps to improve the poor state of our meridian and our organs to restore back its function. It is known to stimulate lymphatic system, improve blood circulation and aids in deep tissue recovery. It improves our body’s constitution.
Treatment:
After a cupping treatment, drink sufficient amount of warm water, refrain from cold and oily food. Avoid getting a shower within 2 hours after the treatment. While cupping is considered relatively safe, it can cause some swelling and circular bruises on the areas of the skin where the cups were placed. These bruises are usually painless and should disappear in a couple of days.
Check out the prices for cupping.
