THE HISTORY OF CUPPING THERAPY

Cupping Therapy, commonly referred to as Cupping, has been around probably for over 5000 years and as some believe is as old as human  history itself. Cupping therapy developed over time from the original use of hollowed out animal horns to suck out and drain the toxins out of snakebites and skin lesions. Horns slowly evolved into bamboo cups, which were eventually replaced by glass. Therapeutic applications evolved with the refinement of the cup itself, and with the cultures that employed cupping as a health care technique.

The true origin of cupping still remains uncertain to this day.  Some consider the Chinese to be responsible for cupping.  The earliest recorded use of cupping from the famous alchemist and herbalist, Ge Hong (281-341 A.D.), which incorporates the popular saying “Acupuncture and cupping, more than half of the ills cured.”

The Chinese expanded the utilization of cupping to include its use in surgery to divert blood flow from the surgery site.  By the 19th century, after much extensive research, a collaborative effort between the former Soviet Union and China confirmed the clinical efficacy of cupping therapy. Since then, cupping has become a mainstay of government-sponsored hospitals of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Evidence of Cupping found in Egypt  in the  primitive years.

The earliest record of pictorial record of cupping was discovered in Egypt around 1500 B.C.. Translations of the hieroglyphic text about ancient medicine  detailed the use of cupping for conditions such as fever, pain, vertigo, menstrual imbalances, weakened appetites and accelerating the “healing crisis” of disease. From the Egyptians, cupping was introduced to the ancient Greeks, where Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine, recommended the use of cups for a variety of disorders such angina and menstrual irregularities.

Eventually, cupping spread to ancient cultures in many countries of Europe and even the Americas.  Throughout the 18th century, European and American doctors widely used cupping in their practice to treat common colds and chest infections, often in the form of Wet or Blood Cupping.  Also known as Artificial Leeching and Hijamah in Muslim societies.

By the late 1800′s and the newly established scientific model of medicine (Allopathy), cupping was severely criticized and discredited.  The new model defined medicine by making the body transparent, focusing on and treating the inside, in preference to the outside. Since cupping was a surface treatment, it was inconsistent with this new Medical paradigm, which had shifted away from hands on manipulative therapies.

Cupping Therapy - Its relevance today

We today live in a high paced life. Modern life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations, and demands. For many people, stress is so commonplace that it has become a way of life. We are surrounded by stiff competition at work/Business, ever growing population and all forms of pollution. There is less of physical exertion and more reliance on creature comforts like, Cars, Elevators etc. Our eating habits to have changed over a period of time. These days junk food like a quick bite or a take away pizza is more convenient. All these lead to health issues that could be a cause of serious concern most of the time. However for quick relief from an immediate we resort to chemical based medicines prescribed to us. The said medicine though effective are also cause of side effects that come up either immediately or at some later date. But they do !

Recent Popularity & Upsurge

In parts of Western Europe & the USA there has been a recent upsurge in the interest from both public and academic perspectives. Scientific studies have began researching (Research on therapies that have been successful for over 5000 years) the effects of Cupping Therapy in an attempt to better understand the mechanisms underpinning this fascinating medical treatment that has truly withstood the test of time. Celebrity endorsements by Professional sports players (Football Players and Olympic Swimmers) through to leading Hollywood actresses have further raised the profile of Cupping Therapy.

Some Chinese and American schools of medicine teach Cupping Therapy as part of their Complementary Medicine programs. In Germany and England, some Medicine and Health Sciences faculties provide Cupping Therapy as elective modules. Esteemed universities in Turkey are currently conducting Cupping Therapy based research. Currently, the Turkish Ministry of Health is overlooking applications of Cupping Therapy to ensure safety and high quality standards

After centuries of onslaught of Chemical treatments by the Allopathic medicine, people are inclined towards alternate medicines like Meditation, Yoga, Ayurveda Unani & traditional Chinese treatments and herbal medicines. cupping today has re-emerged as a subtle, yet powerful healing process that addresses many health issues ranging from High Cholesterol to Diabetes. Conditions that can be prevented, controlled or cured are:

• Cholesterol & Uric Acid

• Blockages & Congestion

• Diabetes Control

• Hypertension & Hypo tension

• Gynecological Disorders

• Slip Disc, Sciatica

• Knee & all Joint pains

• Skin Conditions

• Severe Headaches

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Migraine

• Varicose Veins

• Upper & Lower Back Pain

• Frozen Shoulder & Neck

• Obesity & Weight issues

• Arthritis & Rheumatism

• Fatigue & Depression

• Anxiety & Stress

• Constipation & Diarrhea

• Asthma 

• Cellulite

• Anemia 

• Atrophy

• Common cold and flu 

• skin problems

• weight loss and much more

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