What is it?
Fire Cupping refers to an ancient Chinese home remedy in which a cup (or cups) are applied to the skin and held in place via suctioning so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held inside the cup(s). In some cases, the cups may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle (gliding or moving cupping). It often leaves circular red/purple marks (sha) on the area treated, and you look as though you lost a fight with an octopus! These marks should fade in a few days, but it is very important to keep these areas protected until they do (away from extreme cold, heat and wind or drafts).
What is It Good For?
- Pain
- Muscle tension from stress
- Paralysis
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Skin disorders
- Gynecological disorders such as cramps and infertility
- Insomnia
- Colds and allergies
- Lung diseases and infections (especially chronic cough and asthma)