Cupping Therapy

See also : Acupressure
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin; practitioners believe this mobilizes blood flow in order to promote healing.[1] Suction is created using heat (fire) or mechanical devices (hand or electrical pumps). It is known in local languages as baguan/baguar, badkesh, banki, bahnkes, bekam, buhang, bentusa, kyukaku, gak hoi, Hijamah, kavaa (ކަވާ), singhi among others.
Broadly speaking there are two types of cupping:

• dry cupping : The cupping procedure commonly involves creating a small area of low air pressure next to the skin. However, there is variety in the tools used, the method of creating the low pressure, and the procedures followed during the treatment. Fire cupping is a treatment where as a cotton ball dipped in 70% or greater alcohol is lit and the cotton ball is then introduced inside of the cup for a brief second and than the cup is placed on the patient, as the heat disipates the cooling action creates the firm suction. The cups can be moved around the patients body along the meridians and at specific points to help with immune boosting and other modalities. Dry cupping appeals more to a "therapeutic and relaxation approach
• bleeding or wet cupping (controlled medicinal bleeding) with wet cupping being more common. Wet cupping provides a more "curative-treatment approach.

The benefits of Cupping Therapy are

• This therapy can improve circulation
• boost your immune system
• stimulate energy flow and better overall health.
• Open the chest and lungs
• Alleviate menstrual cramps
• Diminish digestive problems
• Clear up coughs, wheezing and other respiratory problems
• Halt migraines
• Manage acute and chronic pain
• Reduces pain and swelling
• Rids body of any generally toxic elements