The Art of Fire Cupping
Words by Katherine Castillo Eustaquio
Published in Total Fitness Magazine May 2011 Issue
No, it is not related to Fire Eating or Fire Dancing. Fire cupping is an alternative technique used by acupuncturists to rid the body of harmful toxins and promote faster recovery of injured target areas. The gentle suction coaxes old blood to leave the capillaries in order for new blood to flow in. This action results in a renewed sense of energy.
History
In medieval times, the art of fire cupping was used to balance the body’s four humors— black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood. Ancient practitioners used animal horns and wooden or metal cups to draw out the body’s toxins.
Procedure
A “fire cup” doesn’t shoot fire or contain burning coals. It’s simply a glass cup held upside down. The air inside the cup is moderately hot. These fire cups are placed on the areas of the body where there’s pressure or what we often call “lamig.” When the air cools down, the glass shrinks in size and fastens tightly against the body without tearing or scarring the skin. The fire cups act as mini vacuums to stimulate the nerve clusters and improve blood circulation in the target areas.
The biggest drawback of Fire Cupping is the marks it leaves. The heated cups won’t burn the skin nor leave scars but they do leave reddish circles that are similar to huge kiss marks. These will fade over time, two to three days max.
Benefits
Followers of Fire Cupping claim that it helps relieve chronic back and muscle pains, swollen limbs, respiratory problems, and even arthritis. Apart from its healing benefits in terms of improved circulation and detoxification, fire cupping also promotes relaxation among followers suffering from sleep-related disorders, anxiety, migraine, depression and even cellulite reduction in problem areas.
A Word of Caution
Fire cupping is a holistic acupuncture technique that makes use of gentle suction instead of needles. Modern practitioners of this ancient healing art now use high-tech vacuum cups that enable them to apply the same amount of pressure and heat minus the actual fire. However, most fire cupping followers still prefer the old-fashioned glass cups and natural fire that make for a more natural and soothing healing process.
Regardless of modern conveniences, Fire Cupping can only be done by a trained professional. It may seem like a simple procedure to imitate but keep in mind that it takes a long time to practice and perfect it. It takes the perfect amount of heated air inside the cups to encourage healing and detoxification. Otherwise, you might just burn your skin and leave unattractive scars. If you’re interested in the many benefits of Fire Cupping, it’s best to look for a trained acupuncturist and facility in your area to perform the job.
Published in Total Fitness Magazine May 2011 Issue
No, it is not related to Fire Eating or Fire Dancing. Fire cupping is an alternative technique used by acupuncturists to rid the body of harmful toxins and promote faster recovery of injured target areas. The gentle suction coaxes old blood to leave the capillaries in order for new blood to flow in. This action results in a renewed sense of energy.
History
In medieval times, the art of fire cupping was used to balance the body’s four humors— black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood. Ancient practitioners used animal horns and wooden or metal cups to draw out the body’s toxins.
Procedure
A “fire cup” doesn’t shoot fire or contain burning coals. It’s simply a glass cup held upside down. The air inside the cup is moderately hot. These fire cups are placed on the areas of the body where there’s pressure or what we often call “lamig.” When the air cools down, the glass shrinks in size and fastens tightly against the body without tearing or scarring the skin. The fire cups act as mini vacuums to stimulate the nerve clusters and improve blood circulation in the target areas.
The biggest drawback of Fire Cupping is the marks it leaves. The heated cups won’t burn the skin nor leave scars but they do leave reddish circles that are similar to huge kiss marks. These will fade over time, two to three days max.
Benefits
Followers of Fire Cupping claim that it helps relieve chronic back and muscle pains, swollen limbs, respiratory problems, and even arthritis. Apart from its healing benefits in terms of improved circulation and detoxification, fire cupping also promotes relaxation among followers suffering from sleep-related disorders, anxiety, migraine, depression and even cellulite reduction in problem areas.
A Word of Caution
Fire cupping is a holistic acupuncture technique that makes use of gentle suction instead of needles. Modern practitioners of this ancient healing art now use high-tech vacuum cups that enable them to apply the same amount of pressure and heat minus the actual fire. However, most fire cupping followers still prefer the old-fashioned glass cups and natural fire that make for a more natural and soothing healing process.
Regardless of modern conveniences, Fire Cupping can only be done by a trained professional. It may seem like a simple procedure to imitate but keep in mind that it takes a long time to practice and perfect it. It takes the perfect amount of heated air inside the cups to encourage healing and detoxification. Otherwise, you might just burn your skin and leave unattractive scars. If you’re interested in the many benefits of Fire Cupping, it’s best to look for a trained acupuncturist and facility in your area to perform the job.
