Fire cupping refers to the practice of using glass cups to create a suction effect on the skin. Once applied to the skin, cups can be left stationary or moved over the surface of the skin (often called “gliding” or “sliding” cupping) using oil or lotion as a lubricant. Cups are generally left in place for 5-10 minutes, and sometimes, another round in different locations. The cups will feel tight, but should not be painful.
A suction effect is created by placing an inverted glass cup over a flaming alcohol-soaked cotton ball, removing oxygen from the cup and creating a vacuum.
The cup is then quickly placed on the skin’s surface and “sucks” the skin up inside. The cup isn’t hot when applied, and the flame never comes into contact with the skin – the fire merely creates the suction necessary to perform the treatment.
The suction and negative pressure created through cupping increases blood circulation, loosen muscles and connective tissue, clears “heat,” and creates a soothing, sedating effect on the nervous system. It also helps to draw dead or stagnant blood cells, cellular debris, lymph fluid, and toxins out of the deeper tissues and up toward the surface, allowing for easier release from the body and improving overall blood circulation to the area.
From a Chinese medical perspective, cupping “opens” the channels, the pathways in the body through which qi (dynamic life force energy) flows. A free flow of qi is necessary to support the function of the body’s tissues and organs. When that flow is obstructed, the qi and blood are stagnant pain and dysfunction result. Cupping helps to improve the flow of qi and blood, allowing for improved function and healing.
Cupping is most often performed on bare skin on the neck, shoulders, back, and hips, but can be done almost anywhere! It is excellent deep-tissue therapy and very effective for muscle tension and pain. It can even be more effective when combined with cupping, acupuncture and tui na.
Murat Tascioglu
Cupping works wonders for tight necks and shoulders (and “tech neck”!), tense low back muscles, hip pain, sciatica, various joint problems, or tight IT bands (cyclists and runners, generally for all athletes). Additional cupping therapy can be good for:
- Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia,
- Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia,
- Fertility and gynecological disorders,
- Carpal tunnel-type symptoms and other types of overuse injuries,
- Skin problems such as eczema and acne,
- High blood pressure,
- Migraine,
- Anxiety and depression,
- Bronchial congestion caused by the common cold,
- allergies and asthma,
- Varicose veins