For practitioners, it requires reasonably simple equipment, is time, energy and labor efficient and it unequivocally delivers outstanding results.

Baguanfa is the modern term used for Suction Cup Therapy, and there are myriad versions of Baguanfa - Dry Cupping, Wet Cupping, Needle Cupping, Moxa Cupping, Water Cupping, Flash Cupping, Herbal Cupping and Massage Cupping.

The one branch of Baguanfa with movement involved - Negative Pressure Massage, Moving Cupping or Cupping Massage is also referred to in other cultures as Bentusa, Vacuum Massage, Kyukaku, Schropftherapie, Kupa Cekme, Glide Cupping, Koppingsmassage, Ventouzzes, Migrating Cups and Dredging the Channels.

Negative Pressure Massage, as it suggests, is the combination of negative pressure and massage movements with the use of a suction device. A cup is positioned at the area to be treated and, depending on the type of cups being used; a vacuum is created within the cup to draw the underlying tissue into the cup. The suction level can range from light to heavy, and the movements performed by the therapist can be stimulating or sedating. The produced vacuum creates a suction effect that increases blood circulation to the local area, relaxes muscle tissue and releases a myriad of pain causing factors.

Traditional cupping, still widely used involves the insertion of a flame into a glass cup to heat the air and create a vacuum, whereas the manual vacuum cups employ a hand pump. Manual cups being produced include silicone, rubber, and Pyrex with rubber bulbs.

Since the techniques use negative pressure, rather than tissue compression, superior bodywork ranging from MFR and deep tissue work to MLD is easily accomplished. The suction of the cups rapidly facilitates rigid soft tissue release by stretching it up and away from underlying structures, thus loosening areas of adhesion and/or restriction, activating muscle spindle reflexes that relax contractile tissue and help to realign the facial structure.

The effects are remarkable on stiff and aching muscles and activate the secretion of synovial fluids, which ease joint stiffness in ways not possible using the compression of traditional massage. It concurrently creates localized expansion of tissue, producing a profound vasodilatation reaction - drawing blood flow to areas of ischemic pain, raising skin temperature, promoting metabolism within the skin tissue for better functioning of sweat and sebaceous glands, flushing capillary beds, draining stagnant blood, toxins and lymph, and re-supplying vital nutrients. Further, it stimulates the nervous system reflex to the cerebral cortex, contributing to an increased rate of recovery from pain and disease.

The pulling sensation helps to release muscles and calms the sympathetic nervous system, thus allowing a deep relaxation to move through the whole body. It is not unusual for a patient to fall asleep while being cupped, surprised at how remarkably relaxed and light they feel - hours and even days after the treatment has ended.

The added bonus is the reduced wear and tear to the practitioner. The tools used greatly increase the practitioners' physical longevity - which alone merits attention from every Bodyworker.

Due to its wide application, many other therapies can benefit greatly from these techniques including physiotherapy, aromatherapy, reflexology, kinesiology, aesthetics, reflexology, polarity, chiropractic, shiatsu, osteopathy, detox therapies, pre/post surgical care, etc.

A little Cup of History

The origin of cupping therapy remains in obscurity. Cupping therapy was used in Egypt dating back some 3,500 years, where its use is mentioned in hieroglyphics. Cupping was used extensively by Roman, Celts, Turks, Slavic's, Mayans, Aztecs, Indians and by healers throughout the Far & Middle East. The earliest recorded use of cupping that is from the famous Taoist alchemist and herbalist, Ge Hong (281-341 A.D.). Some of the first suction vessels were hollowed out animal horns, used to drain toxins out of bites, pustules and skin lesions from the body. Bones and gourds were also use by ancient healers, and most are still in use today in some non-industrialized societies. Bamboo, earthenware and metal were also used as cupping vessels before the invention of glass.

Cross cultural studies show that women represented a major source of therapeutic assistance in many societies, with the women healers in villages throughout the world passing down their knowledge as a family tradition. Reliable sources hold that cupping in Greece, Scandinavia, Russia, Italy, Spain and Turkey was usually performed by women. But, by the thirteenth century however, universities including medical studies in their curriculum, excluded the participation of women.

Partial list of conditions responding to Cupping Therapy

Colds & Influenza, Headaches,
Abscesses,
Arthritis,
Intercostal Neuralgia,
Intestinal disorders,
Hemorrhoids,
Sciatica,
Rheumatism,
Liver disorders,
Gallbladder disorders,
Dermatological disorders,
Depression, Anxiety & insomnia,
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
Musculo-skeletal problems: pain, spasms, cramps, tightness, numbness, stiffness of the back and neck
Chronic gastric pain,
Vertigo,
High blood pressure, stroke and arteriosclerosis,
Bronchial asthma & congestion,
Gynecological disorders,
Menopausal discomforts,
Kidney disorders (including frequent/urgent urination),
Post-injury trauma,
Post-surgery adhesions,
Cellulite