what is Fire cupping?
Fire cupping is an ancient form of therapy that has been used by many different cultures for thousands of years. The process involves swirling a burning wand inside a glass cup for a second or two to generate heat. The cup is then immediately placed on the skin, creating a vacuum that moderately sucks the skin into the cup. Fire cupping is used to:
help improve circulation
relieve pain in tight muscles
promotes healing
The earliest evidence of fire cupping dates back to the time of ancient Egypt, where it was commonly used to treat a variety of ailments. It was also used in ancient China, Greece, and Rome. In the Middle Ages, fire cupping was introduced to Europe by the Arabs.
During the 18th century, fire cupping fell out of favor in the West, however, it has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Scientific evidence supports the use of fire cupping for a range of conditions including:
pain
respiratory problems
muscles spasms and tightness.
Are there Risks associated with fire cupping?
While fire cupping is generally considered to be a safe procedure, there are some risks associated with it. It is important to be treated only by a qualified practitioner, such as myself, who is trained to mitigate the following risks:
Burns
The flames used to heat the cups can cause burns if they are not applied properly.
Infection
If the cups are not cleaned properly, they can spread bacteria, potentially leading to infection.
Bruising
The suction created by the cups may cause bruising.
Allergic Reactions
The oils or creams used in fire cupping can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you have any allergies to certain substances, be sure to let your practitioner know!
Complications in people with certain medical conditions
Fire cupping is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and anemia.