What is Cupping Therapy? An ancient Chinese method that creates local congestion, ancient versions of cupping therapy included the use of cups made of bamboo, glass, metal or wood.

Cupping therapy began with burning one of the following in the cup: alcohol, alcohol-soaked cotton wool, herbs, paper or a taper. Either prior to, or after the burning had been completed, cupping therapy practitioners applied the cup reverse-side down to smooth body surfaces where the cup is left in place from five to ten minutes.

Different forms of cupping therapies included: fire cupping, acupuncture cupping method, air pumping cupping method and water cupping method.

However, in more recent times, cupping therapy is done by specialized cups that provide substantial vacuum. By applying the vacuumous cups to different parts of the body for a small amount of time, the cup demonstrates a penetrating effect that may cause:

• tissues to release toxins,
• may activate the lymphatic system,
• may clear colon blockages,
• may help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries,
• may activate the skin, clear stretch
  marks
and may even improve varicose veins.

In general, cupping therapy opens the "meridians" or "energy channels" of the body and allows energy to flow freely. Newer cupping therapy cups that are best for the therapy are called Mengshi Cups, or vacuum cups. These cups do not require any type of firing or use of a vacuum pump.

To learn more about cupping therapy, or if you are interested in locating an Oriental Medicine practitioner who uses cupping therapy, feel free to visit our Holistic Junction practitioners directories today.

Cupping Therapy © 2004 - All Rights Reserved by C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot in conjunction with HolisticJunction.com

About the Author: C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot is the Public Relations Director & Writer for Holistic Junction -- Your source of information for Cupping Therapy Practitioners; Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine;Massage Therapy Schools, and Reflexology Schools; Alternative Healthcare; Insightful Literature and so much more!

NOTICE: Article may be republished free of charge as long as Author Resource Box (above) is included, and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN in tact and active.

• Tai Chi in the Information Age


• Neuromuscular Dentistry: The Answer for Headache Sufferers?


• Discovering The Healing Properties of Ganoderma


• Home Remedy for Toenail Fungus - Try Olive Leaf Extract


• Radical Change: Can Our Bodies Keep Pace?


• Boswellia: An Anti-Inflammatory Herb


• All Natural Pain Relief


• Alternative Medicine is Preventive; Western Medicine is Curative


• Can a Mattress Really be Certified Organic?


• Aromatherapy Headache


• Ginseng Tea


• Practical Aromatherapy - Antiviral Effects of Essential Oils


• Clinical Massage


• Divine Healing


• Herbal Talk