Cupping
Benefits of Cupping Therapy in TCM
- Releases stagnation by moving stuck Qi and blood
- Relieves pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back
- Enhances blood and lymph circulation
- Draws out toxins and excess heat from the body
- Stimulates healing enzymes (such as HO-1)
- Reduces inflammation through natural anti-inflammatory compounds like biliverdin and bilirubin
- Strengthens the immune system by improving internal balance
- Restores energetic harmony by promoting the flow of Qi
- Promotes relaxation and relieves stress
- A gentle, non-invasive therapy that supports the body’s natural healing processes
Description
In dry cupping (also known as vacuum massage), a glass cup is placed on the skin by creating suction inside the cup. It’s commonly used to treat neck and shoulder pain. The cup may leave round, bruise-like marks that fade within a few days—these are signs of blood stagnation being released.
Cupping works by stimulating the skin and underlying tissues, increasing blood and lymph circulation. The round marks—ranging from light pink to dark purple—are called “Sha”, and they typically disappear in a few days.
On a deeper level, cupping activates the enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which helps break down blood components into biliverdin, carbon monoxide (CO), and iron.
Biliverdin and bilirubin have anti-inflammatory properties that support healing.
CO has a vasodilating effect, improving circulation and reducing pain and inflammation.
Cupping is not just a physical therapy—it’s a process that awakens the body’s natural healing intelligence.
