A reflection on cupping therapy and historical medical dominance

Abstract

Cupping is a treatment procedure where cups are placed on the skin and then heated to create a vacuum. The pressure from the suction pulls the dermis and muscle tissues into the cup creating petechiae or in Chinese medicine, sha. Drawing the blood, under the skin’s surface, to the surface, promotes healthy blood circulation and can be used to treat a range of conditions from common colds to sore muscles. Cupping therapy is a household remedy in many places throughout the world and is recently gaining scientific interest within mainstream medicine.