Dry cupping is basically suction cupping without incisions. It is sometimes called “Fire cupping” and this is where a flammable substance such as alcohol, or paper is placed in a cup and set on fire. As the fire goes out, the cup is quickly placed upside down on the patient’s skin. As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum. This causes the skin to rise and redden as blood vessels expand. Cups are normally used only on softer tissue that can form a good seal with the edge of the cup. The cups for fire cupping are thick glass with smooth edges. The cup or cups is/are generally left in place for about 15 minutes. Today we generally use the vacuum apparatus and leave the cups suctioned in position for about 15 minutes, cover the patient with a towel, then remove and give the specific area a vigorous rub down. This is done to stimulate the blood.

BENEFITS

• detoxifies and enhances circulation,
• is an excellent pain reliever for backache.
• breaks adhesions between the skin and underlying connective tissues which creates smooth movement in muscles.
• stimulates tissue in that area thus creating space for oxygen to speed up healing process.
• draws up the old non-circulating stagnant blood and sticky fluids from the area and moves stagnant blood.

IMPORTANT
Please inform your practitioner if you have pace-makers, thrombocytopenia, haemophilia, pregnancy, anaemia, active tuberculosis, are menstruating or bleeding out of menstruation due dismenorrehea, have had vomitting or diarrhoea the previous three days, are fatigued due to strenuous work or stress.

Cupping will not be done where there is deep vein thrombosis, ulcers, arteries, or where a pulse that can be felt nor on abdominal or sacral regions of pregnant women. Cancer patients will only receive cupping therapy only if recommeded by their physician who knows the patient’s history. In general, if you suffer from a debilitating disease that needs immediate attention, do not subject yourself to any alternative treatment forms, including cupping, as the sole form of treatment.