What is cupping?
Cupping is an ancient form of alternative medicine where a practitioner places special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. It was developed thousands of years ago and though the techniques have modernized, the original philosophy remains the same.
People may seek cupping for many reasons, perhaps to assist with pain management, inflammation relief, relaxation, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.
How does cupping work?
Using cups typically made out of glass, bamboo, plastic jars, silicone, or earthenware, which would creates a vacuum by suctioning out the air, where the underlying tissue is raised within the vacuum inside the cup.
Following are some different methods of cupping:
- Flash-fire cupping – a cupping procedure which involves flashing the fire of a piece of ignited alcohol-cotton once around the cup’s interior and pressing the cup onto the treated area immediately after removing the ignited cotton.
- Slide cupping – a cupping method in which the cup or jar is moved on the skin surface to extend the acting area.
- Medicated cupping – a form of cupping therapy in which the cup or jar is put into boiling medicinal solution before use.
- Pricking/Bloodletting cupping – a combined method of pricking and cupping in which pricking with a three-edged needle is followed by cupping to increase bloodletting.
From the perspective of TCM, the purpose of cupping is to enhance circulation, help relieve pain, remove “heat”, and pull out the toxins that linger in your body’s tissues.
Typically, you will feel a tight but painless sensation in the area of the cup. Depending on your comfort and your practitioner’s assessment of the problem, cups may be moved around or left in place. One very common area to be cupped is the back, although cups work well on other fleshy sections of the body too.
What is Guasha?
Gua Sha is a traditional healing technique that originates from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been practiced for centuries. The term “Gua” roughly translates to “scraping” in Chinese, referring to the scraping motion used during the treatment. This technique involves using a tool, often made of jade, horn, or other smooth materials, to scrape the skin’s surface in specific areas of the body.
After a Gua Sha session, it’s common for the treated areas to exhibit temporary redness or petechiae (small, raised red dots). This is known as “sha,” and it is believed to be a sign that stagnant blood and energy are being released from the body, promoting healing and improved circulation.
Gua Sha is believed to promote circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system, and release tension in the muscles. It is often used to address various health issues, including pain, inflammation, muscle stiffness, and even certain respiratory conditions. The technique is sometimes used to treat ailments such as headaches, back pain, colds, and flu-like symptoms.
How does Gua Sha work?
During a Gua Sha session, a lubricant, such as oil or lotion, is applied to the skin to reduce friction. The practitioner then uses the Gua Sha tool to apply gentle to moderate pressure while scraping the skin in long, sweeping strokes. The strokes are usually performed in one direction, typically towards the lymphatic drainage points, which can be compared to the direction of the body’s natural circulation.
This technique causes the skin to temporarily turn red, blue or purple for anywhere between a few days to a couple of weeks. Once the colouration has dissipated, the procedure can be repeated until the condition or ailment is resolved.
It’s important to note that Gua Sha should be performed by trained practitioners, as improper technique or excessive pressure can cause skin irritation or injury. Before trying Gua Sha, especially if you have underlying health conditions, it’s recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a licensed TCM practitioner to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your specific needs.
Contact us to book a cupping appointment today, learn more about TCM Chatswood or find out more about our Moxibustion, Chinese Herbal Medicine, or Acupuncture in Chatswood.