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SUCTION CUPS
A UNIVERSAL AND ANCESTRAL TECHNIQUE
This universal technique has been around for thousands of years. The word "cupping" has been translated into many languages.
The first suction cups were called "corniculas" (The Medicine of Cupping, Volume 1, D. Henry), they were made of horn. One end was pressed against the skin and the other allowed air to be sucked out. A wax was used to close the orifice properly against the skin to channel pain. These horns were previously soaked in a herbal decoction to amplify their therapeutic effect and power.
EVOLUTION OF SUCTION CUPS
Then came metal cupping glasses and Chinese bamboo cupping glasses. In Egyptian times, they were used to extract venom and poison. (Volume 1, Cupping Medicine, D. Henry) The Ebers Papyrus mentioned the use of cupping glasses for various conditions such as menstrual pain, dizziness, general aches and pains, loss of appetite, and fever. Among the Greeks, Hippocrates recommended cupping glasses for the viscera, the osteoarticular system, and tonsillitis. These examples show that the cupping technique is not exclusive to China.
During the 18th century, cupping glasses were known for their effectiveness in treating respiratory illnesses. They disappeared in the 20th century with the arrival of antibiotics and painkillers (Volume 1, The Medicine of Cupping, D. Henry) In 2016, it was the swimmer Michael Phelps, the most decorated in the history of the Olympic Games, who boosted the image of forgotten cupping.
TODAY'S SUCTION CUPS
There are different types of cupping glasses, such as plastic, glass, silicone, bamboo, and copper. They can be activated in two ways: either with a fire flame (a hot application) or with a pump (a cold application).
How does a suction cup work on our skin?
First, a vacuum is created inside the cupping glass with the fire. The cupping glass is quickly applied to the skin, creating negative pressure, or suction. The skin is drawn into the cupping glass and reddened. A buildup of blood flow is drawn to the congested area; this is the phenomenon of "hyperemia." The nutrients and oxygen carried by the blood will promote the self-healing of this painful area.
The cups will remain on the cupped area for a specific period of time. This period must be respected, as Daniel Henry would say, to obtain "a result." He also emphasized the essential anatomical knowledge of cupping: "cupping is not applied by guesswork," but rather on "speaking" points that increase the "performance" of the results. Cupping also has a relaxing effect on various tissues such as the skin, muscles, tendons, and fascia. It will promote the mechanical release of the contracture. Adhesions will be released. (Therapeutic Guide to Cupping Medicine, Volume 3, D. Henry)
Finally, during the initial congestion, the body will relax the treated area and release endorphins, which will reduce the pain: this is the analgesic effect of cupping.
WHAT ARE THE AREAS OF USE OF CUPS?
Cupping will treat all rheumatic, osteoarticular, and sports medicine conditions. Let's not forget that our ancestors used them for the respiratory tract. Many of us knew grandmothers who used them for winter ailments. Then come visceral, digestive, gynecological, psycho-emotional, dermatological, and psycho-emotional conditions.
Last but not least, I will be able to scarify certain points in an acute phase. The sensation of scarification in this situation is described as "scratching with reeds," as Daniel Henry says. The idea behind releasing blood to the outside is to release toxins that have been stagnating for too long in these painful areas, thus restoring circulation and restoring the body's homeostasis.