cupping
This technique uses glass cups as suction devices placed along the meridians or over specific acupuncture points. By lighting an alcohol-soaked cotton ball on fire, quickly swiping it in and out of the cup, and placing the cup on the skin, a vacuum-like suction is created breaking up stagnation, increasing blood circulation, and easing pain & discomfort. Cups can be left stationary or moved back and forth to stimulate more acupoints or meridians. Typical sessions last 5-10 minutes, and tend to leave marks on the body. These marks can range in color from light pink to dark purple and will last anywhere from 3-7 days.
Cupping is most commonly used on the back to ease pain and release tension in hypertonic muscles. It is also used quite often over the chest area and upper back to benefit different lung-related issues.
