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Other common
name(s): cupping, fire cupping, body vacuuming, the horn
method
Scientific/medical
name(s): none
Description
Cupping involves warming the air inside a glass, metal, or
wooden cup and inverting it over a part of the body to treat various
health conditions.
Overview
Cupping is based on traditional Chinese medicine. Available
scientific evidence does not support claims that cupping has any health
benefits.
How is it promoted for use?
Cupping is a practice of Chinese medicine recommended mainly
for treating bronchial congestion, arthritis, and pain. It is also
promoted to ease depression and reduce swelling.
Cupping is supposed to realign and balance the flow of one's
vital energy or life force called qi or ch'i, pronounced "kee" or
"chee." In the presence of illness or injury, proponents say, the qi is
disturbed and there may be too much or too little at certain points in
the body. The practitioner diagnoses any imbalances in the qi and
attempts to restore them. Although not widely used as an alternative
method of treatment for cancer, some practitioners may use it to
rebalance energy in the body that has been blocked by tumors.
What does it involve?
A flammable substance, such as alcohol, herbs, or paper is
placed in a cup made of glass, metal, wood, or bamboo. The material
inside the cup is set on fire. As the fire goes out, the cup is placed
upside down over qi pathways, places on the body that according to
traditional Chinese medicine, are linked to the patient's illness. It
is usually left in place 5 to 10 minutes.
As the air inside the jar cools, it creates a vacuum, which
causes the skin to rise. This is thought to open up the skin's pores
and create a route for toxins to escape the body. The skin under the
cup reddens as blood vessels expand. In a more modern version of
cupping, a rubber pump attached to the jar is used to create the
vacuum.
In "wet" cupping, the skin is punctured before treatment. When
the cup is applied, blood flows out of the punctures and is said to
remove harmful substances and toxins from the body. In "dry" cupping,
the skin is left intact. Some practitioners sterilize the cups in an
autoclave, a device that uses steam under pressure to sterilize medical
instruments by heating the cups to more than 250º F.
What is the history behind it?
Cupping is an ancient component of Chinese medicine. It is
also a well-known folk remedy in Vietnam and other Asian countries.
Besides "fire" cupping, other methods include acupuncture cupping,
water cupping, and air-pump cupping.
What is the evidence?
Available scientific evidence does not support cupping as a
cure for cancer or any other disease. Reports of successful treatment
with cupping are mainly anecdotal rather than from research studies.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
Cupping is considered relatively safe. However, the treatment
may be slightly painful or even cause burns. Cupping leaves purplish
marks on the skin, which usually heal after several days. It can also
cause swelling due to the buildup of excess fluid around the cupped
area.
Relying on this treatment alone and delaying or avoiding
conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health
consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Cassileth B. The
Alternative Medicine Handbook. New York, NY: W. W. Norton
& Co; 1998.
Raso J. Dictionary of metaphysical healthcare: Unnaturalistic
Methods. Accessed at: http://www.quackwatch.org on May 30, 2008.
Sagi A, Ben-Meir P, Bibi C. Burn hazard from cupping--an
ancient universal medication still in practice. Burns Incl Therm Inj.
1988;14:323-325.
Tierra L. Barefoot Doctor Healing Techniques Accessed at:
http://www.planetherbs.com/articles/barefoot.html on May 30, 2008.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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