Cupping
Traditionally, fire in lit in a glass/bamboo cup, which is then placed directly on the skin, producing a vacuum effect. In the present, this method is still utilized with glass cups, but also plastic cups with a rubber pump attached are also prevalent. Through the suction, blood is pulled out of the vessels (noticeable by the bruising marks that appear on the skin), thereby stimulating the release of white blood cells to dispose of the accumulated blood. This creates an awareness in the cell, hence, the stimulation of the immune system or the muscular-skeletal system. In the TCM perspective, this therapy is used for cases of “invasion by wind,” which includes common colds, influenza, muscle tension and pain. The cupping method is well-known and utilized all around the world in different cultures.