Cupping
Considered to have originated in ancient China when it was known as “ horn therapy”, cupping was introduced to Europe via the Ottoman Empire and flourished throughout Spain, France, Germany and Russia not forgetting the Mediterranean Islands where it is still commonly used.
The therapy can be used independently for cold and arthlagia symptoms, or in conjunction with meridian theory for more specific complaints.
Glass or bamboo cups are placed on the skin with suction, or as illustrated, using a spirit and flame to create suction in the receptacle. To create a vacuum, a flame from a lighter or a burning cotton ball is placed in an upside-down cup.
When the oxygen in the cup is burned off, the cup is placed directly on the skin, where it is held in place by a surprisingly strong suction. Often, the skin inside the cup visibly rises.
There are also cups available that use pumps instead of burning to create the proper suction. Cupping is generally a painless procedure.