Cupping

Traditionally bamboo and pottery cups were used for cupping but nowadays glass or plastic cups are also used. The cup is placed on the skin and a vacuum is created (either igniting material inside the cup or using a pump to remove the air) to produce suction and left between 10-20 minutes. It is particularly suitable for rheumatism, acute strains and sprains, facial paralysis, haemiplegia, common colds and cough. There are other forms of cupping but at Xin Sheng due to safety reasons, fire cupping is not used.


Patients should also note that it is normal for the skin to be flushed or bruised after cupping therefore cupping on the face (i.e. for facial paralysis) is not advised. It is also inappropriate to use on patients with skin ulcers, high fever and convulsions, skin sensitivity, oedema and pregnant women. Cupping will be added to the treatment at no extra cost if appropriate for the patient.