Cupping Cupping is an ancient Chinese practice in which cups are applied on the surface of the skin...

1. Cupping
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient Chinese practice in which cups are applied on the surface of the skin to cause
local congestion. It is a form of deep tissue massage in which pressure inside the cups is reduced
either with the help of heat or suction.
Cupping therapy is practiced not only in China but also in many other Gulf and Eastern countries
where it is known by different names. There are various types of cups that can be used in this
therapy like plastic cups, bamboo cups, cupping glass, rubber cups, traditional cups and the most
recent ones like vacuum cups.
Cupping TherapyA traditional practitioner will examine the patient by checking his pulse rates and
tongue. Patient is asked to lie down on a flat surface. Cups are applied to the surface of the skin and
a vacuum is created by sucking out the air from the cup by means of suction.
This action draws up the underlying tissues, skin and flesh into the cups. The cups are left on the
skin surface for about 5-15 minutes. The cups are then removed by applying a pressure on the skin
surrounding the cups. This will cause the outside air to leak into the cup, which equalizes the
pressure and releases the cup.
This therapy is an extremely painless procedure. Due to the congestion of blood flow, the skin under
the cup becomes reddened. The procedure may leave bruises, which are painless and may remain
for about a week. For this reason, cupping therapy is applied only on the areas that are covered like
back or torso.
How does Cupping Therapy Work?
This therapy is based on the theory of meridians. It is believed that our body is governed by the
energy channels called meridians, the blockage of which may cause many diseases.
Cupping works by opening, stimulating and energizing these meridians. When the meridians present
on the back are opened, the energy flows to almost every part of the body. This therapy will also
stimulate the blood flow to the painful or damaged muscles. Thus helping in quick healing.
BenefitsCupping is an extremely beneficial therapy, which gives a person a feeling of flexibility and
lightness. It is a painless, safe and inexpensive therapy.

2. There are, as such, no disadvantages of cupping. The only thing is that it can't be applied on the
hairy areas.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/cupping.html