How can a few round, shiny glass cups treat and prevent illness? This article will guide you through the science and unique therapy of wandering cupping.
01
What is Wandering Cupping?
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), wandering cupping is a unique and effective therapy. It combines the techniques of cupping and gliding cupping, applying negative pressure and friction on the skin’s surface to regulate the body’s organs, meridians, and qi and blood flow. It’s like giving your body a thorough cleaning. These glass cups act like diligent cleaners, sucking out the “waste” from within you. When you leave the cupping room, you will find your body feeling lighter and more comfortable.
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The Principle of Wandering Cupping
Health
The principle of wandering cupping is primarily based on the combined effects of negative pressure and friction.
Before cupping, a layer of petroleum jelly, guasha oil, or other lubricants is applied to the skin or the rim of the cup as a medium. Then, using the flash fire method or alcohol drop method, the cup is suctioned onto the selected area of the skin. By moving the cup back and forth, friction is created on the skin’s surface, while the cup, aided by negative pressure, is also pushed back and forth. This operation stimulates the skin, promotes qi and blood circulation, and regulates the organs and meridians. Those mysterious glass cups act like space capsules, lifting away the negative energy from within you. The moment the cup leaves your skin, you will feel both body and mind become much lighter.
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How to Perform Wandering Cupping:
1. Prepare tools: Gather cupping devices, lubricants (such as petroleum jelly or guasha oil), towels, etc.
2. Select the area: Choose a muscular area that is intact and free of injuries for the procedure.
3. Apply lubricant: Apply an appropriate amount of lubricant to the selected area or the rim of the cup.
4. Cupping: Use the flash fire method or alcohol drop method to suction the cup onto the selected area of the skin.
5. Glide the cup: Use appropriate force to move the cup back and forth, creating friction on the skin’s surface.
6. Observe skin changes: When the skin in the cupped area becomes red, congested, or even bruised, it indicates that the procedure has achieved the desired effect.
7. Remove the cup: Gently lift the cup off and wipe the treated area clean with a towel.
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Benefits of Wandering Cupping
Health
What are the main aspects?
1. Unblocking Meridians: Wandering cupping can stimulate the skin and, by stimulating the meridians, achieve the effect of unblocking them, helping to alleviate local pain, swelling, and other discomforts.
2. Activating Blood Circulation: If a patient has been in a cold environment for a long time, it can lead to poor blood circulation, resulting in local pain and swelling. Wandering cupping can activate blood circulation and improve these discomforts.
3. Expelling Wind and Dampness: Wandering cupping can expel wind and dampness, promoting the discharge of internal moisture and improving symptoms of rheumatic arthritis.
4. Moving Qi and Alleviating Pain: Wandering cupping can also help move qi and alleviate pain, useful for discomfort caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis, such as headaches and abdominal pain.
5. Harmonizing Yin and Yang: During the process of wandering cupping, the imbalance of yin and yang in the body can be improved, achieving harmony and contributing to overall health.
In addition, wandering cupping can also be used to treat cervical spondylosis, colds, and other ailments. It is important to note that wandering cupping is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with weak constitutions, skin injuries, or pregnant women should use it with caution or avoid it altogether. During the procedure, appropriate force and frequency should be maintained to avoid excessive stimulation of the skin or causing unnecessary damage.
