Though cupping may mean to hold something in ones hand by forming a cup like shape, its primary meaning is the one derived from medieval medicine. It was a procedure in which heated cups of glass were placed on the surface of the skin. The cups were then emptied of air by suction thereby creating a vacuum. The result is that skin gets sucked outwards and blood flow to the area is increased. The ancients in the dark ages believed that by doing so blood that was harmful for the proper recovery of healing organs could be isolated or drained away. There were certain variations in the technique as well such as alcohol within the cups being burnt to help create a vacuum.
These days cupping refers to a traditional Chinese medical technique still in use. This sort of therapy was known as "horn therapy" in China and involved a similar exercise of applying bamboo or glass cups to the surface of the body to concentrate blood flow.
These days cupping refers to a traditional Chinese medical technique still in use. This sort of therapy was known as "horn therapy" in China and involved a similar exercise of applying bamboo or glass cups to the surface of the body to concentrate blood flow.
