I have been hit by the cupping monster. I occasionally have a Chinese massage when I am in a rush. It seems the therapist had plenty of time to whack some cups on me. He did ask me…something, I soon found out what it was. Relief from pain, no, not really, but some excellent battle wounds. Here is a summary of what cupping is.
Glass cups are used to create a vacuum to move Qi. Cupping is a Chinese modality that has been used for thousands of years. Glass cups are used and when a vacuum is created it helps draw out and eliminate pathogenic factors such as wind, cold, damp and heat. Cupping also moves Qi (energy) and blood and opens the pores of the skin, thus precipitating the removal of pathogens (toxins, bugs etc) through the skin itself. Cupping restores the circulation of Qi, blood and the fluids helping to bring health to the sick.
The effect of this therapy can be classified into two categories:
The general purification of blood, improvement of circulatory functions, regulation of the autonomic nervous system.
The local removal of pain, relaxation of stiff muscles and joints.
Cupping Therapy is suitable for the treatment of pains, arthritis, digestive diseases, circulatory diseases, circulatory diseases, stress, fatigue, weakness of the muscles, whiplash and carpel tunnel syndrome.
http://www.natremed.com.au/cms/content/view/66/75/
Ok looks bad and is a bit tender
