Cupping is an ancient Chinese medicine alternative that is believed to promote healing. There are three ways to do cupping: dry, fire or wet. I will discuss my husband Denny and our friend Joseph’s fire cupping experience in Qingdao, China.
You lie down like you are about to get a massage. The spa employee then commences the process by wheeling out a small cart full of small glass jars.
Then they heat each cup with a flame from a small cotton torch and suction it to your backs skin.
I personally didn’t experience cupping but heard second hand from them on what it feels like. They related that Chinese cupping feels very similar to a massage. In cupping the muscles are pushed upwards gently versus massages that apply pressure directly to the muscle.
After they suctioned his entire back to look like a huge lightbulb chandelier they left them there covered with a towel for about ten minutes.At the end of the process you are left with health marks. The cup circle’s darkness is a meter for how healthy you are. If it’s really dark, it’s believed to mean you have a lot of toxins.
Why do the Chinese do it?
People do cupping for these reasons:
-relieve back and neck pain
-relieve stiff muscles
-relieve anxiety and fatigue
-boost immunity
-weight loss
-decrease high blood pressure
-reduce asthma
-relieve common cold/congestion
Where can I get Chinese cupping?
If you walk around China you will notice red or even sometimes purple circle marks on the people’s backs in China. Cupping is pretty popular. You can find a cupping service at a foot spa.
How much does it cost?
Chinese cupping is really inexpensive. The first time Denny got it it was 25RMB. The second time it was 40RMB (the second was better but was done a lot rougher).
After reading and seeing the pictures do you think you would want to get Chinese cupping? If not, why?
What alternative forms of medicine do you practice for healing and promoting your health?
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