A brief history of cupping
Even though a lot of acupuncturists use cupping, the history of this therapy is not confined to China. The oldest account of cupping therapy actually comes from the ancient Egyptians. There are drawings carved into ancient Egyptian walls depicting glass cups alongside other medical equipment. Some historians believe the Egyptians actually received the knowledge of cupping from the ancient peoples in the east.
There is also evidence of cupping being used in ancient Greece by Hippocrates, the “father of medicine.” The prophet Mohammed was a vocal advocate for cupping, especially to treat fevers. Cupping has spread all over Europe, and is also used in Africa as a folk medicine.
Cupping has a history among early Native Americans, and has been practiced by local American physicians since at least the early 1800’s. Cupping waned out of practice in America and Europe in the early 1900’s, but is now making a well needed comeback, due to the current proliferation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Cupping techniques have been utilized for thousands of years as a folk medicine, especially by elders and village doctors. The art of cupping was often used to drain boils and abscesses. Over time, cupping was found to be helpful in treating a variety of other disorders including tuberculosis, chronic cough, and snakebite. The art of cupping has developed over all these years, and has clinical applications including treatment of chronic cough, asthma, stiff muscles, pain, indigestion, and some dermatological problems.
What is the procedure like?
In ancient times, the practitioner actually used a hollowed-out cattle horn instead of a cup, and would physically suck on a small hole on the other end to create a partial vacuum. Thankfully, there are other methods for cupping nowadays.
Fire cups: This is the most common way of cupping. A flame is briefly put inside the cup to heat the air there. The flame is removed, and the cup is quickly placed on the skin. As the air cools inside the cup, a partial vacuum is created there, and the cup sucks onto the skin. The cup should never get warm enough to burn your skin.
Valve Cups: Some practitioners will use cups with a small pump and valve attached to them. The cup is placed on the skin and the pump is squeezed until an appropriate level of suction is achieved.
Glass cups are most commonly used in the West, but Bamboo cups are also effective, and commonly used in China.
What is “Sha”?
After cupping or Gua Sha, there is often a dark mark left on the skin. The Chinese call this mark “Sha.” The Sha may appear darker, reddish, or even purple. It resembles a bruise or abrasion in appearance, but it isn’t exactly either of those.
Traditionally, the Sha marks were indicative of toxins leaving the musculature and coming to the surface. The marks should go away within four days to two weeks as your body cleans itself. The Sha area is usually a painless area, but may shock people who have never seen Sha before. Your loved ones may be surprised and worried to see the marks on your body. Make sure that you explain to them that the marks on your body are a result of a common TCM technique. Reassure them that the area doesn’t hurt, and that your body’s reaction is perfectly normal.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha (pronounced “gwa shah”) is similar to cupping. Both techniques aim to bring the Sha to the surface of the body. Cupping works through suction; Gua Sha works through friction.
The practitioner will use some oils and a Gua Sha tool, which could be any smooth, solid object to bring up the Sha. Sometimes the Gua Sha process can be strong, but most people feel great afterwards. Gua Sha is often effectively used to treat stiff, painful muscles that have been injured or overused.
