Vacuum-Cupping Massage
Cupping is a method of treating disease by causing local congestion. A partial vacuum is created in jars, which are then applied to the skin, drawing up the underlying tissue and forming blood stasis. In ancient times, animal horns were used, principally in draining postulant sores.
Vacuum-Cupping Massage, integrated with cup therapy by moving the cups is a technique that is utilised over large, flat body surfaces like the back or thigh. Only glass cups with relatively wide mouths are used. First a lubricant is applied around the mouth of the cup. Then, after the cup has been applied to the skin, the therapist moves it back and forth by holding the cup at its base and slightly raising the front edge in the direction of movement while applying force along the back edge. This movement continues until the skin turns red. A cup can be alternately placed, lifted and replaced in rapid succession to produce many small suctions. This method is commonly used over local areas of numbness or declining function, or deficient conditions.