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PERSONAL CUPPING AND BLOODLETTING!!!BOOK YOUR SPACE❗
Sunnah Cupping Dates are 17th, 19th and 21st of the Islamic Calendar of every month.
Dry Cupping and Massage Cupping done daily.
CUPPING is the best and fastest detox known to man. The effects of cupping reach up to 10cm within the body. Acute and chronic conditions across all ages may be treated with cupping therapy.
Cupping is the cure for all ailments, aches, pains, sicknesses, illnesses especially those that are blood-related.. 
Lowers blood pressure. 
Relieves arthritis. Cures boils. 
Helps with menstrual problems and fertility. 
Releases acidity. 
Cures headaches. Helps with sihr. Detoxifies the body. 
Improves energy levels. 
The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "Whoever performs cupping (hijama) on the 17th, 19th or 21st day (of the Islamic month) then it is a cure for every disease." [Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawud (3861)].
WHAT IS CUPPING
Cupping Therapy (Al-Hijama)
A Cure For Every Disease, Pain, and Ailment (By Allah's Permission)
What is cupping (hijama)?
Cupping (hijama) is the best remedy recommended and used by the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijama)…" [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5371)]. He (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) also said that on the night of Israa (his ascension to the heavens) he (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) did not pass by an angel except that it said to him, "Oh Muhammad, order your Ummah (nation) with cupping (hijama)." [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee (3479)]. This shows the importance and greatness of this Sunnah.
'Hijama' in Arabic is derived from 'hajm' which means 'sucking'. Cupping (hijama) is the process of applying cups to various points on the body by removing the air inside the cups to form a vacuum.
Cupping (hijama) is of three types:
Dry cupping (hijama) -
This is the process of using a vacuum on different areas of the body in order to gather the blood in that area without incisions (small, light scratches using a razor).
Dry massage cupping (hijama) –
This is similar to dry cupping (hijama) but olive oil is applied to the skin (before applying the cups) in order to allow easy movement of the cups.
70% of diseases, pains, and ailments are due to the blood being unable to reach certain parts of the body. Dry cupping (hijama) and dry massaging cupping (hijama) allow the blood to reach these place
Wet cupping (hijama) -
This is the process of using a vacuum at different points on the body but with incisions in order to remove 'harmful' blood which lies just beneath the surface of the skin. (It is recommended that wet cupping (hijama) is only administered by a cupping therapist)
Wet cupping (hijama) may only be administered at certain times of the day and days of the week.
Is cupping (hijama) a cure for every disease?
Cupping (hijama) is a cure for every disease if performed in its correct time. The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "Indeed in cupping (hijama) there is a cure." [Saheeh Muslim (5706)]. The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "Whoever performs cupping (hijama) on the 17th, 19th or 21st day (of the Islamic month) then it is a cure for every disease." [Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawud (3861)].
There are specific points on the body where the cups are applied for each ailment.
Is cupping (hijama) from the Sunnah?
The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "Whoever revives a Sunnah from my Sunnah and the people practice it, s/he will have the same reward of those who practice it without their reward diminishing…" [Sunan ibn Maajah (209)].
Authentic Narrations About Cupping (Al-Hijama)
Cupping Is The Best Of Remedies
Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping…" [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5371)].
Abu Hurairah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "If there was something excellent to be used as a remedy then it is cupping." [Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawud (3857), Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3476)].
The Angels Recommending Cupping
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "I did not pass by an angel from the angels on the night journey except that they all said to me: upon you is cupping, O Muhammad." [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3477)].
In the narration reported by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allaah be pleased with him) the angels said, "Oh Muhammad, order your Ummah (nation) with cupping." [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee (3479)].
In Cupping There Is A Cure
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi
Wasallam) said, "Healing is in three things: in the incision of the cupper, in drinking honey, and in cauterizing with fire, but I forbid my Ummah (nation) from cauterization (branding with fire)." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5681), Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3491)].
Jaabir ibn Abdullah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "Indeed in cupping there is a cure." [Saheeh Muslim (5706)].
Cupping In Its Time Is A Cure For Every Disease
Abu Hurairah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "Whoever performs cupping on the 17th, 19th or 21st day (of the Islamic month) then it is a cure for every disease." [Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawud (3861)].
Cupping Can Be Used For:
Cupping is the prophetic cure for all ailments, aches, pains,
SAFEGUARD YOURSELF FROM ILLNESS BY MEANS OF HIJAAMAH (CUPPING AND BLOODLETTING)
Nabi ( Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said: The best of that which you treat yourself with is cupping. (Haakim)
Apart from being a Sunnah cupping is good for 99 diseases.......
Circulatory diseases
Treating of blood pressure
Infection of the heart and muscle
Diseases of the chest and Trachea
Headaches and pain in the eyes
Pain in the neck and stomach
Rheumatic pain
Blood disorders
Fertility and gynecological disorders
Skin problems (eczema, acne, psoriasis)
General and psychological well being
Reduce stress
Increase of energy
Weight loss
Cellulite reduction
Detoxification
Reduce Heat in the body.
Itching
Heartburn,
Tearing of Ligaments,
Hot Flushes,
ulcers,
Epilepsy,
Liver imbalance,
Thyroid Imbalance
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WORKSHOP TRAINING
SUNNAH CUPPING WORKSHOP IN CROSBY...
Learn the techniques and benefits of Hijama therapy in a one-day intensive workshop, delivered by qualified Therapist...
Sunnah Cupping workshop in CROSBY...
Learn the age-old therapeutic method of healing; Sunnah Cupping and Bloodletting. Experience this sunnah for yourself as well as practically apply it. You will Learn the different types of Cupping therapy.
1-day workshop
You will be practicing Hijama in pairs, working in a group setting
We will ensure that you are confident in practicing Hijama before you leave.
Certification issued on completion of Practical and Theory exam.
Contact: 0722764016 ZAINUB to book. Limited seats available.
Price: R2500 includes... 12pc Professional Cupping set.
A box of 100 surgical blades.
A box of 100 surgical gloves.
All Material, Notes, and Equipment will be provided.
Place: 53 Pomeroy Avenue, CROSBY
Date and Time: Please contact the office
Book your space now...
If u wish to purchase the following separately please let me know so it can be available.
Single cups (S.M.L)
Surgical Glove
Surgical blades
Please come with 2 bath towels, a zip up the cloak, or a gown, or an Abaya or even a button up shirt will do and don't forget your lunch.
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How Cupping Therapy Improve Immunity & Digestion
Relatively unknown to most people living in the West until recently, cupping therapy is an alternative therapeutic method that has been popular in China since around 1000 B.C. Some records show that variations of cupping practices might actually be much older — possibly dating as far back as 3000 B.C.
One of the biggest advantages to trying alternative practices like cupping therapy, acupuncture or massage therapy is that these methods don’t pose the risk of unwanted side effects like pharmacological drugs or surgery do.
In fact, there’s really no downside to trying alternative practices like cupping, since studies show they can help boost immune function and speed up healing time without the use of any medications or even herbs. And these are just some of the benefits of cupping therapy.
Most of the validity of cupping as an alternative medical practice comes from its long history of use over the past 3,000 years. Cupping techniques have been used extensively to treat a range of disorders and symptoms, sometimes on their own, or other times in conjunction with other alternative practices. It’s common for cupping therapy to be used along with massage therapy, essential oils, acupuncture or even as an adjunct to “Western medicine” treatments.
What we do know from the limited scientific studies that have been done is that cupping works by expanding the capillaries and increasing the amount of fluid entering and leaving tissues. Besides this, cupping therapy seems to provoke a relaxation response in some people, which means it’s useful for lowering stress and its negative effects.
While there’s a ton of anecdotal evidence that cupping can be effective and safe, to date very few clinical studies using humans have been conducted, making it hard to “prove” many of the time-honored benefits of cupping therapy. That being said, it’s worked for millions of people over many years, so here are five ways that cupping might be able to help you:
1. Helps Reduce Pain
One of the most common reasons people turn to alternative treatment methods is because they’re looking for a safe way to naturally reduce joint pain and muscle pain. After reviewing dozens of randomized clinical trials testing cupping therapy in patients with pain of any origin, a report published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that cupping significantly reduced pain in people with low back issues compared to usual care treatments, showed positive effects in treating cancer pain compared with anticancer drugs and analgesics, and helped soothe pain associated with respiratory issues.
Cupping is thought to release tissues deep inside the body, relax tense muscles and ease stiffness associated with chronic back and neck pains, migraines, rheumatism, and fatigue. Some athletes have been known to use cupping therapy to naturally improve performance and reduce stiffness, muscle cramps, joint pains and scar tissue caused by injuries.
Cupping targets soft tissue by applying local pressure to pain points and areas of swelling. As blood flow increases within vessels and capillaries, tissues receive much-needed nutrients and oxygen. Cupping practitioners use pressure, heat, suctioning and needles above or below the site of injury, allowing for energy to travel along the “channels” (meridians) that pass through the injury.
For help lowering pain, cups are commonly placed over the following areas: over the fleshy part of the shoulder blades, over the groin/loins, by the neck (for soothing tension headaches, toothaches or migraines) or around the lower back.
2. Promotes Relaxation
It might seem counteractive, but cupping often helps alleviate physical complaints and allows people to enter a more relaxed state since it sedates the central nervous system. This is similar to acupuncture, which you might assume hurts and is uncomfortable but actually seems to help lower most patients’ stress responses and therefore offers protection against anxiety and depression.
How can cupping be relaxing? Just the act of laying still and being “taken care of” during cupping therapy sessions might have a positive effect on someone’s psychological well-being, which could be one reason why it’s used to lower mental illnesses. Once the cups are placed down and suctioned, they might need to remain still for up to 20 minutes, which forces stillness and silence on patients who might otherwise lead very hectic lives. According to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, another reason cupping is soothing is that the cups help lift pressure in tense muscles, which offers a relieving sensation just like receiving a deep tissue massage.
3. Boosts Skin Health
Cupping is used to reduce herpes, cellulite, acne and skin inflammation. While studies haven’t shown it can necessarily help with weight loss, the fact that it tones and firms skin by improving blood flow and expanding capillaries makes it popular among celebrities and people in the spotlight who want to appear to have toned skin. As part of a skin-clearing or cellulite treatment, oil is commonly first applied to the skin before the cups are suctioned and moved around, bringing heat to the area along with various skin-healing ingredients depending on the type of oil used.
Because cupping improves blood flow and might help lower inflammation, some studies have found it to be equally or even more effective at treating acne compared to antibiotics. A meta-analysis of six studies showed that for improving acne, the cure rate of wet cupping was better than the cure rate following use of tanshinone, tetracycline, and ketoconazole prescriptions.
4. Helps Treat Respiratory Issues and Colds
Commonly used to help nourish the lungs and clear away phlegm or congestion, cupping therapy can be useful for speeding up healing time from respiratory illnesses like the flu or common colds. Cupping helps improve immune function by moving blood and lymphatic fluid throughout the body, which is why it’s been associated with reductions in lung diseases (especially chronic coughs), allergies, infections, and asthma.
Treating respiratory conditions like pulmonary tuberculosis is one of the oldest uses for cupping and was utilized long before prescriptions were available.
5. Improves Digestion
Acupuncture and cupping are both popular ways to improve digestion and reduce symptoms from disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This might primarily be because they can lower a patient’s stress response, which is highly tied to healthy digestive functioning.
Throughout history, cupping therapy has been found to be beneficial for people with frequent stomach pains, diarrhea, acute gastritis, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal diseases and water retention. For digestive disturbances, cupping is commonly performed in the following areas: around the navel, over the bladder, around the kidneys or over the stomach.
"Scarification with Cupping possesses the power of evacuating offending matter from the head; of diminishing pain of the same part; of lessening inflammation; of restoring the appetite; of strengthening a weak stomach; of removing vertigo and a tendency to faint; of drawing deep-seated offending matter towards the surface; of drying up fluxions; checking hemorrhages; promoting menstrual evacuations; arresting the tendency to putrefaction in fevers; allaying rigors; accelerating and moderating the crisis of diseases; removing a propensity to somnolence; conciliating natural repose; removing heaviness. These and many analogous maladies are relieved by the judicious application of the Cucurbits (Cups), dry or bloody."
From the ancient Greeks and Romans, through the Alexandrians and Byzantines, cupping therapy was passed on to the Muslim Arabs and Persians. The Prophet Mohammed even sanctioned the use of cupping. Cupping is now an important and popular therapeutic modality of Unani Medicine.
In the West, cupping remained an important part of medicine and therapy, both conventional, alternative, and folk-based, until the early 20th century. The surgeon Charles Kennedy wrote, in 1826:
"The art of cupping has been so well-known, and the benefits arising from it so long experienced, that it is quite unnecessary to bring forward testimonials in favor of what has received not only the approbation of modern times but also the sanction of remotest antiquity."
After falling out of favor with medicine in the modern era, cupping therapy is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, promoted by acupuncturists and other holistic healthcare practitioners. New and exciting variations on this ancient technique, like cupping massage, are also being developed.
One secret of cupping's perennial popularity is its great ability to promote a state of deep pleasure and profound relaxation. Hopefully, cupping is here to stay.
Is Cupping Therapy Safe?
Cupping might sound a bit scary to someone who’s new to the practice, but rest assured that cupping isn’t usually painful and most trained practitioners are very careful to use sterile equipment. During a cupping session, it’s common to feel some heat and tightness around the cup, but many people find this to actually be relaxing and soothing.
Cupping has come a long way since it first originated in terms of hygiene and improved safety standards. Today, most cupping practitioners use rubber gloves, new and sterile needles (if wet cupping is being done), and alcohol swabs to reduce the risk for contamination or blood transfer. As cupping becomes more popular on a global scale, more nations are mandating that safety guidelines be carefully followed, which is good news for patients.
Cupping is considered a safe practice, but it’s important to find a well-trained practitioner who is licensed and follows legislated guidelines. While the different cupping techniques seem to be similar in terms of effectiveness, dry cupping is likely the safest since it doesn’t involve needles or blood. Make sure to do your research and find an experienced practitioner who is well-trained in using cupping tools, which will ensure you get the most benefits from your session and aren’t at risk for injury.
Cupping should be avoided if the patient is experiencing a skin infection, inflammation, ulcer or sensitivity. It’s also not recommended for pregnant women since not enough research has been done to show it’s safe. Keep in mind that it’s not uncommon for skin discoloration to develop after cupping, which can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. For people with bleeding disorders or who are prone to bruising, cupping should be avoided. It can cause minor and temporary bruising in some people, but this can become problematic for those who don’t heal well from bruises.
Cupping Therapy Eliminates
- It’s common for cupping to be used along with massage therapy, essential oils, acupuncture or even as an adjunct to “Western medicine” treatments.
- Here are five ways that cupping therapy might be able to help you: helps reduce pain, promotes relaxation, boosts skin health, helps treat respiratory issues and colds, and improves digestion.
- Cupping and acupuncture are similar because they both promote optimal “Qi” by drawing energy and blood flow to areas of the body that are experiencing inflammation, prone to low lymphatic circulation or experiencing poor blood flow. Sometimes both practices are done together by placing an acupuncture needle into the patient’s skin and then covering the needle with a cup.
- The types of cupping therapy include dry cupping, fire cupping, bleeding cupping, wet cupping and moving cupping.
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HIJAMA, OR CUPPING
Healing through Suction
Cupping, called Hijama by the Muslims, is the application of suction cups to the skin to draw out stagnant, congested blood and Vital Force, as well as other stagnant or morbid humor. Usually, the cups are made of glass, but they can also be made of bamboo, bone, horn or metal.
The classical method for creating suction in the cup is to use fire to consume the air within it. But more recently, squeezable cups with a rubber top or cups drained by suction pumps are also used.
Cupping may be done either wet or dry. Dry cupping is simply placing the suction cups on the skin. Wet cupping, or Scarification and Cupping, is a form of bloodletting that involves first making an incision in the skin, then applying the suction cups to suck out small amounts of blood.
The classical method for creating suction in the cup is to use fire to consume the air within it. But more recently, squeezable cups with a rubber top or cups drained by suction pumps are also used.
Cupping may be done either wet or dry. Dry cupping is simply placing the suction cups on the skin. Wet cupping, or Scarification and Cupping, is a form of bloodletting that involves first making an incision in the skin, then applying the suction cups to suck out small amounts of blood.
History of Cupping
Cupping therapy is an incredibly ancient and universal practice that spans both East and West. In the primitive shamanistic practices of all the world's indigenous peoples, there were certain shamans who specialized in the sucking out of illness and infirmity from the body.
In the East, the Chinese have been practicing the art of cupping for at least three thousand years. Along with Tui Na massage, acupuncture and moxibustion, cupping forms part of the traditional bodywork or physiotherapy system of TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cupping is applied to the acupuncture points to relieve the stagnation of Qi and blood, both locally and in the organ(s) activated by the point.
In the West, cupping therapy had its birth in Egypt. The Ebers Papyrus, written around 1550 B.C.E., states that bleeding by wet cupping removes foreign matter from the body. In cupping, the ancient Egyptians saw the remedy for just about every disorder.
The ancient Egyptians passed the art of cupping on to the ancient Greeks. Both Hippocrates and Galen were staunch advocates and users of cupping therapy. Galen once condemned Erasistratus, a noted physician in Alexandria, for not using cupping. Herodotus, a famous Greek historian, and physician wrote, in 413 B.C.:
In the East, the Chinese have been practicing the art of cupping for at least three thousand years. Along with Tui Na massage, acupuncture and moxibustion, cupping forms part of the traditional bodywork or physiotherapy system of TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cupping is applied to the acupuncture points to relieve the stagnation of Qi and blood, both locally and in the organ(s) activated by the point.
In the West, cupping therapy had its birth in Egypt. The Ebers Papyrus, written around 1550 B.C.E., states that bleeding by wet cupping removes foreign matter from the body. In cupping, the ancient Egyptians saw the remedy for just about every disorder.
The ancient Egyptians passed the art of cupping on to the ancient Greeks. Both Hippocrates and Galen were staunch advocates and users of cupping therapy. Galen once condemned Erasistratus, a noted physician in Alexandria, for not using cupping. Herodotus, a famous Greek historian, and physician wrote, in 413 B.C.:
"Scarification with Cupping possesses the power of evacuating offending matter from the head; of diminishing pain of the same part; of lessening inflammation; of restoring the appetite; of strengthening a weak stomach; of removing vertigo and a tendency to faint; of drawing deep-seated offending matter towards the surface; of drying up fluxions; checking hemorrhages; promoting menstrual evacuations; arresting the tendency to putrefaction in fevers; allaying rigors; accelerating and moderating the crisis of diseases; removing a propensity to somnolence; conciliating natural repose; removing heaviness. These and many analogous maladies are relieved by the judicious application of the Cucurbits (Cups), dry or bloody."
From the ancient Greeks and Romans, through the Alexandrians and Byzantines, cupping therapy was passed on to the Muslim Arabs and Persians. The Prophet Mohammed even sanctioned the use of cupping. Cupping is now an important and popular therapeutic modality of Unani Medicine.
In the West, cupping remained an important part of medicine and therapy, both conventional, alternative, and folk-based, until the early 20th century. The surgeon Charles Kennedy wrote, in 1826:
"The art of cupping has been so well-known, and the benefits arising from it so long experienced, that it is quite unnecessary to bring forward testimonials in favor of what has received not only the approbation of modern times but also the sanction of remotest antiquity."
After falling out of favor with medicine in the modern era, cupping therapy is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, promoted by acupuncturists and other holistic healthcare practitioners. New and exciting variations on this ancient technique, like cupping massage, are also being developed.
One secret of cupping's perennial popularity is its great ability to promote a state of deep pleasure and profound relaxation. Hopefully, cupping is here to stay.
How Cupping Works
Traditional healers have long recognized the association between pain and conditions of congestion, stagnation, and blockage. An old Chinese medical maxim states: Where there's stagnation, there will be the pain. Remove the stagnation, and you remove the pain.
Not only pain, but the vast majority of all illness and disease comes from stagnation, congestion, and blockage - of energy, like the Vital Force, or of vital fluids or humor, like blood, phlegm or lymph. The suction applied by cupping sucks out and breaks up that congestion, stagnation, or blockage, restoring a free flow of the vital energies and humor of the organism.
Actually, pain is the essence of disease. Suffering, or disease, is experienced when things aren't flowing right when there's some difficulty or obstruction to the natural flow and functioning of the body. This is what Galen meant when he spole of disease as being the state contrary to Nature.
In addition to dispersing and breaking up stagnation and congestion in the flow of the Vital Force, blood, and other humor, cupping also disperses pathogenic heat, toxins, and inflammation by bringing them to the surface for release. Pathogenic heat and toxins can fester and eat away at the organism when they're submerged and under pressure, but they find release at the surface. Cupping can even be instrumental in mitigating or relieving fevers in the acute crisis stage, and in mitigating and reducing the putrefaction of blood and other humor, a common cause of fevers.
By drawing congested energy, blood, or other humor to the surface, cupping is a form of derivation therapy. Derivation means the drawing away or diversion of vital energies or substances away from the site of blockage and obstruction in order to relieve congestion and restore health and patency to the organism.
Toxins, morbid humor and other congested offending matter can do more harm when they're deep within the organism, obstructing the functioning of the vital organs at the body's core. The organism, whenever it can, will try to peripheralize such morbid matter by sending it to the service in the form of various cysts, boils or eruptions, even though they may be unsightly. Cupping is a way of activating this peripheralization and relieving pathogenic congestion to the internal organs, thus averting or preventing more serious disorders.
By improving the circulation of blood, lymph, and other vital fluids and breaking up and dispersing blockages and congestions of offending waste matter, toxins, and morbid humor, cupping improves the eliminative functions and the evacuation of wastes from the organism. In Greek Medicine, the proper and timely evacuation of wastes from the body forms an important aspect of hygiene. Whether it be constipation, urinary retention, or even suppressed menses, the undue retention of anything that should be expelled is a major cause of morbidity and disease.
Not only pain, but the vast majority of all illness and disease comes from stagnation, congestion, and blockage - of energy, like the Vital Force, or of vital fluids or humor, like blood, phlegm or lymph. The suction applied by cupping sucks out and breaks up that congestion, stagnation, or blockage, restoring a free flow of the vital energies and humor of the organism.
Actually, pain is the essence of disease. Suffering, or disease, is experienced when things aren't flowing right when there's some difficulty or obstruction to the natural flow and functioning of the body. This is what Galen meant when he spole of disease as being the state contrary to Nature.
In addition to dispersing and breaking up stagnation and congestion in the flow of the Vital Force, blood, and other humor, cupping also disperses pathogenic heat, toxins, and inflammation by bringing them to the surface for release. Pathogenic heat and toxins can fester and eat away at the organism when they're submerged and under pressure, but they find release at the surface. Cupping can even be instrumental in mitigating or relieving fevers in the acute crisis stage, and in mitigating and reducing the putrefaction of blood and other humor, a common cause of fevers.
By drawing congested energy, blood, or other humor to the surface, cupping is a form of derivation therapy. Derivation means the drawing away or diversion of vital energies or substances away from the site of blockage and obstruction in order to relieve congestion and restore health and patency to the organism.
Toxins, morbid humor and other congested offending matter can do more harm when they're deep within the organism, obstructing the functioning of the vital organs at the body's core. The organism, whenever it can, will try to peripheralize such morbid matter by sending it to the service in the form of various cysts, boils or eruptions, even though they may be unsightly. Cupping is a way of activating this peripheralization and relieving pathogenic congestion to the internal organs, thus averting or preventing more serious disorders.
By improving the circulation of blood, lymph, and other vital fluids and breaking up and dispersing blockages and congestions of offending waste matter, toxins, and morbid humor, cupping improves the eliminative functions and the evacuation of wastes from the organism. In Greek Medicine, the proper and timely evacuation of wastes from the body forms an important aspect of hygiene. Whether it be constipation, urinary retention, or even suppressed menses, the undue retention of anything that should be expelled is a major cause of morbidity and disease.
The Benefits of Cupping
The benefits of cupping are many. On a general, systemic level, cupping improves the circulation of blood and lymph. It also regulates and improves the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.
Locally, the most obvious benefit of cupping is a relief of pain and a relaxation and increased the suppleness of stiff tendons and muscles. Cupping increases the cleansing flow of lymph while removing congested blood from the muscles. If cupping is applied to the joints, the blood flow to the joint is increased and there's an increased secretion of synovial fluid into the joint cavity.
Cupping's effect on the digestive organs is to increase their digestive secretions and enhance their peristaltic movement. Cupping can awaken the appetite, strengthen the stomach and digestion, improve the bile flow and metabolism, relieve constipation and promote regularity of the bowels.
Cupping has a dramatic detoxifying effect on the skin and circulatory system. By increasing the flow of blood and plasma through the veins and arteries, cupping enhances the cleansing and removal of toxins. This detoxification may not be observable after just one treatment, but after about three to five treatments, there will be a noticeable improvement in the color of one's complexion.
Cupping is beneficial and indicated for multiple disorders affecting multiple organ systems:
Digestive system: constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Vital, Metabolic: low energy, fatigue, anemia, atrophy of the tissues, cellulite, emaciation, weight gain - normalize body weight.
Nervous system: headaches, depression, emotional problems - balances the nervous system.
Gynecological: menstrual pain, suppressed or irregular menses
Musculoskeletal: Local application, as appropriate, for back pain, arthritis, traumatic injuries, lumbago, sciatica.
Respiratory & Circulatory: asthma, bronchitis, common cold and flu, high blood pressure. Increased blood flow to the skin is therapeutic for many different skin disorders.
Locally, the most obvious benefit of cupping is a relief of pain and a relaxation and increased the suppleness of stiff tendons and muscles. Cupping increases the cleansing flow of lymph while removing congested blood from the muscles. If cupping is applied to the joints, the blood flow to the joint is increased and there's an increased secretion of synovial fluid into the joint cavity.
Cupping's effect on the digestive organs is to increase their digestive secretions and enhance their peristaltic movement. Cupping can awaken the appetite, strengthen the stomach and digestion, improve the bile flow and metabolism, relieve constipation and promote regularity of the bowels.
Cupping has a dramatic detoxifying effect on the skin and circulatory system. By increasing the flow of blood and plasma through the veins and arteries, cupping enhances the cleansing and removal of toxins. This detoxification may not be observable after just one treatment, but after about three to five treatments, there will be a noticeable improvement in the color of one's complexion.
Cupping is beneficial and indicated for multiple disorders affecting multiple organ systems:
Digestive system: constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Vital, Metabolic: low energy, fatigue, anemia, atrophy of the tissues, cellulite, emaciation, weight gain - normalize body weight.
Nervous system: headaches, depression, emotional problems - balances the nervous system.
Gynecological: menstrual pain, suppressed or irregular menses
Musculoskeletal: Local application, as appropriate, for back pain, arthritis, traumatic injuries, lumbago, sciatica.
Respiratory & Circulatory: asthma, bronchitis, common cold and flu, high blood pressure. Increased blood flow to the skin is therapeutic for many different skin disorders.
Techniques of Cupping
Cups can be applied to any part of the body where the skin surface is level, smooth and fleshy enough to permit a firm seal. These parts include the neck, temples, forehead, back, chest, abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, and calves.
The classical method for creating suction in the cups is with fire. Hold a cotton ball in a set of forceps and soak it in olive oil, or in rubbing alcohol. Ignite the cotton ball and whisk it around quickly inside the cup right before placing it on the skin in the desired location. This should create a powerful suction
In recent years, more modern suction methods have been developed. Some cups have spherical rubber tops that can be squeezed to create suction. Other cups come with a special suction pump that pumps out the air to create an even more powerful vacuum.
The basic cupping method is called stationary cupping. The cup is placed on in the desired location and left on in the same spot for ten to fifteen minutes. Several cups may be applied in a single treatment. Pressing the skin around the cup breaks the seal for removal.
In flash cupping, a series of cups are applied and quickly popped off in rapid succession. This creates a stimulating effect that's a lot like pinching and pulling the flesh in massage.
Cupping can also be combined with moxibustion or the burning of balls of Mugwort wool on slabs of the fresh Ginger root. The Mugwort wool is ignited and allowed to burn for a while so that its heat may penetrate the point. Then, a cup is placed over the burning Mugwort and the Ginger slab, and the flame consumes all the air in the cup, creating a powerful suction before it goes out. This form of cupping combines the healing benefits of both heat and suction.
In cupping massage, the area to be treated is anointed with a liberal amount of medicated oil. This allows the cups, once applied, to be moved around while still maintaining a therapeutic suction bond.
Cupping massage can be applied differently to different parts of the body. The stomach, thighs, and hips, being delicate, need gentler suction. Vigorous circles are great to use on the hips, thighs, and shoulders. And on both sides of the spinal column, long gliding strokes up and down massage important pressure points connected to every major organ in the body.
There are many therapeutic benefits of cupping massage. It mimics the powerful rolling strokes of deep tissue massage without the discomfort. Massage cupping improves the skin absorption of medicated oils and liniments that are used in conjunction with it. Cupping massage has also been found to be helpful to relieve the pain of fibromyalgia, and for treating anxiety, insomnia, post-injury trauma, chronic pain, post-surgery adhesions, cellulite and a sluggish colon.
The classical method for creating suction in the cups is with fire. Hold a cotton ball in a set of forceps and soak it in olive oil, or in rubbing alcohol. Ignite the cotton ball and whisk it around quickly inside the cup right before placing it on the skin in the desired location. This should create a powerful suction
In recent years, more modern suction methods have been developed. Some cups have spherical rubber tops that can be squeezed to create suction. Other cups come with a special suction pump that pumps out the air to create an even more powerful vacuum.
The basic cupping method is called stationary cupping. The cup is placed on in the desired location and left on in the same spot for ten to fifteen minutes. Several cups may be applied in a single treatment. Pressing the skin around the cup breaks the seal for removal.
In flash cupping, a series of cups are applied and quickly popped off in rapid succession. This creates a stimulating effect that's a lot like pinching and pulling the flesh in massage.
Cupping can also be combined with moxibustion or the burning of balls of Mugwort wool on slabs of the fresh Ginger root. The Mugwort wool is ignited and allowed to burn for a while so that its heat may penetrate the point. Then, a cup is placed over the burning Mugwort and the Ginger slab, and the flame consumes all the air in the cup, creating a powerful suction before it goes out. This form of cupping combines the healing benefits of both heat and suction.
In cupping massage, the area to be treated is anointed with a liberal amount of medicated oil. This allows the cups, once applied, to be moved around while still maintaining a therapeutic suction bond.
Cupping massage can be applied differently to different parts of the body. The stomach, thighs, and hips, being delicate, need gentler suction. Vigorous circles are great to use on the hips, thighs, and shoulders. And on both sides of the spinal column, long gliding strokes up and down massage important pressure points connected to every major organ in the body.
There are many therapeutic benefits of cupping massage. It mimics the powerful rolling strokes of deep tissue massage without the discomfort. Massage cupping improves the skin absorption of medicated oils and liniments that are used in conjunction with it. Cupping massage has also been found to be helpful to relieve the pain of fibromyalgia, and for treating anxiety, insomnia, post-injury trauma, chronic pain, post-surgery adhesions, cellulite and a sluggish colon.
Where to Cup
Where there's stagnation, there will be a pain. Since cupping relieves stagnation, a good basic way to look for where to cup is to palpate the patient's body to find out which points are painful and tender, and especially which points are the tenderest. It's here that you place the cups.
To draw congestion and inflammation out of a certain internal organ, you cup on the point that's over it. If you're going to treat cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder, for example, you would cup right over it on the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, right below the ribs, at the outer edge of the rectus abdominus muscle; that's the gallbladder point.
To know where to cup, it helps to be familiar with various trigger point systems, like the Chinese acupuncture points or the Ayurvedic Marma points. Actually, they are networks of reflex relationships between the internal organs and points on the body's surface. Major Chinese acupuncture points suitable for cupping are the bladder meridian points on the back, running down both sides of the spinal column, and the alarm points of the various internal organs on the abdomen. These are major reflex points for activating the internal organs.
For lung congestion, for example, cups are placed on both sides of the spine, between the shoulder blades. Not only are these points over the lungs, but they're also important acupuncture points on the bladder meridian that activate the lungs. To activate the stomach and digestion, the cup on the point located on the midline of the abdomen, midway between the navel and the bottom of the breastbone. That's the stomach's alarm point; it's also right on the stomach.
In addition to knowing where to cup, one should also know where not to cup. The places not to cup are: over the breasts in women - it will disrupt the menses; all bony protuberances; sites that are predisposed to cramping; and over superficial blood vessels, varicose veins, lymph nodes, and tumors.
Those wanting to know more about the traditional Unani art of cupping, including a list of cupping sites and their traditional indications in Unani Medicine, are invited to peruse the following web page:
To draw congestion and inflammation out of a certain internal organ, you cup on the point that's over it. If you're going to treat cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder, for example, you would cup right over it on the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, right below the ribs, at the outer edge of the rectus abdominus muscle; that's the gallbladder point.
To know where to cup, it helps to be familiar with various trigger point systems, like the Chinese acupuncture points or the Ayurvedic Marma points. Actually, they are networks of reflex relationships between the internal organs and points on the body's surface. Major Chinese acupuncture points suitable for cupping are the bladder meridian points on the back, running down both sides of the spinal column, and the alarm points of the various internal organs on the abdomen. These are major reflex points for activating the internal organs.
For lung congestion, for example, cups are placed on both sides of the spine, between the shoulder blades. Not only are these points over the lungs, but they're also important acupuncture points on the bladder meridian that activate the lungs. To activate the stomach and digestion, the cup on the point located on the midline of the abdomen, midway between the navel and the bottom of the breastbone. That's the stomach's alarm point; it's also right on the stomach.
In addition to knowing where to cup, one should also know where not to cup. The places not to cup are: over the breasts in women - it will disrupt the menses; all bony protuberances; sites that are predisposed to cramping; and over superficial blood vessels, varicose veins, lymph nodes, and tumors.
Those wanting to know more about the traditional Unani art of cupping, including a list of cupping sites and their traditional indications in Unani Medicine, are invited to peruse the following web page:
When to Cup
Although cupping is almost always beneficial, it is traditionally considered to be more effective at certain times of the month than at others. It's generally not advised around the time of the New Moon because the humor is too compacted. The best time for cupping is generally considered to be around the middle of the lunar month when the moon is large and full of light because the humor is more expensive and exuberant at this time. The best time of all for cupping is considered to be around the 16th or 17th days of the lunar month, just about 2 to 3 days after the Full Moon.
The best time of day to the cup is generally considered to be the three hours following Sunrise, or the 2nd half of the Sanguine period when the blood is waxing exuberant. Cupping should not be done after bathing, except if the blood is unduly thickened; then, do it about an hour after bathing.
The best time of day to the cup is generally considered to be the three hours following Sunrise, or the 2nd half of the Sanguine period when the blood is waxing exuberant. Cupping should not be done after bathing, except if the blood is unduly thickened; then, do it about an hour after bathing.
Precautions for Cupping
The great thing about cupping is its pleasantness, its non-invasive nature, and its relatively high degree of safety. But still, even cupping has its precautions and contraindications.
Cupping should not be done on infants; neither should it be done on the very young or the very old. And cupping is contraindicated in pregnancy since it strongly activates and disperses the blood.
Also, cupping produces circular bruises or discolorations where the cups were applied, which are, in effect, large "hickies". One should understand and accept this possibility, that there may be marks that will last for a few days before one decides to undergo cupping therapy.
